SENIOR citizens are reportedly finding it difficult to foot the heavy burden of electricity bills from their current pensions, for many, their only source of income; and they are now calling on the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) to give them either concessionary rates or a preferential tariff.

Several senior citizens, 65 years and over, enjoy this privilege as customers of the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), and think it would be a marvellous gesture on the part of the Guyana Power & Light Inc. (GPL) were that entity to start doing likewise. They opine that such a situation would greatly ease their existing burden of electricity bills.
But some junior citizens who are paying large bills to the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) believe that everyone deserves some relief from that burden. They explained that both pre-paid and post-paid metered customers are affected.
Some senior citizens are saying that it would be great if next year’s budget should introduce some sort of ease as regards the light bills for senior citizens if they cannot be given an increase in their pensions.
In a telephone interview with a source at the GPL, it was revealed that there would be no adjustment in the GPL policy, since, upon investigation, the homes of many senior citizens have generations of younger relatives living therein, and those persons should help to ease the perceived financial pressure their senior citizen relatives   living with them are experiencing.
It was also stated that the situation was technically complex.
During September, 2012, GPL Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr Bharat Dindyal said the pre-paid metering project is catching the public’s interest, and most consumers countrywide are opting for it.