SUCCESSIVE People’s Progressive Party/ Civic Administrations have never lost an opportunity to pass on savings to the Guyanese people and to ensure that direct benefits of resources go to the people.These were the sentiments of the PPP General Secretary, Clement Rohee, who acknowledged the labelling of the 10 per cent reduction of electricity tariffs as an election gimmick.
“Our detractors will claim that this is an election gimmick…citizens from all walks of life have welcomed the announcement for its timeliness, particularly at it relates to lowering the cost of fuel and electricity.The ordinary domestic user welcomed the reduction in their bills which will ease the pressure on the family finances and allow them more disposable incomes,” he said, Thursday , at the party’s weekly press conference held at Freedom House.
The 10 per cent reduction was announced by President Donald Ramotar on Monday at the commissioning of the Vreed-en-Hoop, 26-megawatt power plant in Region 3, (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), the largest power station in the country.
The Head of State had indicated a move in this direction, given the falling world prices for fuel, which propelled the reduction of local fuel prices. Gas price was reduced from $995per gallon to $695, representing a 30 per cent reduction; the price of diesel was reduced by 30 per cent, from $985 to $694; and kerosene saw a reduction of 42 per cent, from $850 to $496.
All considered, the PPP General Secretary added that the benefits of the reduction have already been welcomed by sections of society.
He said, “Manufacturers and distributors who spend tens of millions of dollars on electricity costs have said that these reductions will allow them breathing room to retool and expand, creating jobs and opportunities for other investments. They will now be able to pay their creditors with some ease and enjoy some relief. Hoteliers have said that this reduction in electricity constitutes an enormous boon for them, since electricity costs take a huge chunk of their financial resources.”
As such, the PPP welcomed the announcement, hailing it as a much needed boost in all sections of society.
“It will complement government’s efforts to transform our country into a modern and developed one,” Rohee concluded.
The 10 percent reduction in electricity charges by the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) company is expected to result in customers being able to hold on to an additional $3B annually, in disposable incomes.