GPL introduces interactive voice response system for customers
GUYANA Power & Light (GPL) has introduced a system of Interactive Voice Response (IVR) numbers for customers, using touch tone telephones, to check their account information.
The IVR numbers are 226-0783, 226-0798 and 226-0787 and are available to those who need to have ready their customer and account numbers.
GPL said, after calling one of the IVR numbers, callers will be prompted to punch in their correct customer and account numbers, then advised to follow the relevant instructions.
Meanwhile, the Public Relations Officer (PRO), Ms. Shevion Sears-Murray, told the Chronicle via telephone, that the response to the introduction of the GPL pre-paid metering system, for domestic and small businesses, has been favourable.
Recalling that it was implemented in phases over a period, she said the first phase was conducted in Bourda market, sections of Kitty and Newtown, Festival City and North Ruimveldt, all in Georgetown and Black Bush Polder, Corentyne, Berbice.
Those places were chosen because they are representative of the wider society, Sears-Murray stated.
She added that GPL is using two types of meters, the Cash Power Rail Split meter and the Jade Split, which are in two parts, the actual unit and an interface, commonly referred to as the customer interface unit (CIU).
Sears-Murray explained that the CIU is a 12-key keypad with audible feedback that allows for the entry of tokens and to access various management functions. It also has a custom liquid crystal display which shows the remaining credit, among other features.
Each customer will be provided with a pamphlet outlining the available features and how to use them.
Sears-Murray said the CIU is mainly a remote extension of the meter and communication between the two units takes place in real time. It can be set to information mode, by the entry of a three digits code by the customer.
In that mode, electricity consumption over the current or past 30 days or 24 hours can be displayed. Those, along with the display of instantaneous power consumption can aid the consumer in prudent management of electrical energy, she said.
Sears-Murray said the CIU provides, as well, both visible and audible alarms to indicate that the credit level is at or below pre-set low level limits.
“The CIU does not measure power consumption and damage to the unit and/or communication cable will in no way interfere with the provision of electricity to the consumer or the related decrease in available credit. However, such damage will prevent consumers from entering a new voucher into the meter when the available credit expires. To avoid the inconvenience, consumers are encouraged to take care of the CIU and the communication cable,” she related.