In view of adverse weather conditions during the rainy season and possible flooding predicted by the Ministry of Agriculture’s Hydro Meteorological Department, the Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL) has strengthened its emergency response services to ensure prompt response in the event of any emergency, and is appealing to all customers to take all precautionary measures to mitigate fault levels within the GPL’s Network.

According to Mr. Elwyn Marshall, GPL’s Divisional Director of Operations, ‘all arrangements are in place to supplement emergency response teams to deal with the expected increase in number/severity of faults as a result of the inclement weather.’
Reiterating GPL’s commitment to minimal disruption of electricity, Mr. Marshall indicated that GPL had intensified its programme of establishing a vegetation-free corridor for the transmission lines and main feeders, and of reinforcing/changing defective poles.

Also to ensure customers’ safety and limit faults within its distribution network, GPL is appealing to customers to adhere to the following:

* DO NOT Tamper with or connect illegally to GPL’s network
* Report any illegal connections, meter tampering or other activities related to theft of electricity
* In the event of flooding, turn off your main switch and place electrical appliances on higher ground
* Always unplug appliances that are not in use
* Do not ever touch exposed electrical wires
* Do not touch or turn off electrical appliances if your hands are wet or you are standing in water
* Stay away from trees that are touching power lines or may sway in the breeze and touch power lines.
* Allow GPL teams to trim trees that are either too close or may fall on power lines.  If trees or branches are close to power lines, please call GPL for assistance on: Emergency Call Centre: Emergency Call Centre: 592 – 226 4015