THE Guyana Power and Light (GPL) is in line to benefit from a $1.6B Management Strengthening Programme, as Cabinet signaled its no-objection to the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and European Union (EU) funded project.While addressing the press at the Ministry of the Presidency on Thursday, Minister of State Joseph Harmon disclosed that Cabinet on Tuesday granted its approval for the multi-million dollar contract to be awarded to Manitoba Hydro International Limited (MHI).

MHI is a wholly owned subsidiary of Manitoba Hydro, one of the largest and longest-standing energy utilities in Canada.

The company assists power utilities, governments, and private sector clients around the world in the efficient, effective, and sustainable delivery of electricity and natural gas.

Utilizing the experience and human resources of its parent, Manitoba Hydro, MHI has provided utility and asset management; consulting; and training solutions to over 75 countries worldwide.

Meanwhile, in addressing aspects of the Management Strengthening Programme, Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure Annette Ferguson said it has two components.

She explained that component one is designed to improve the capacity of the GPL’s Management while the second component will focus on loss reduction.
In March, GPL had indicated that its technical and commercial losses in 2015 amounted to approximately 29.2% of dispatched power.

Those losses were as a result of disruption in transmission and distribution due to aged infrastructure, as well as electricity theft, meter tampering and other non-technical losses.

At the time, GPL indicated that it was actively addressing the situation and had approved a capital programme of $9.5B. This programme is intended to replace old generating assets, construct and upgrade substations, expand and upgrade the transmission and distribution network and expand smart metering, amongst others.
The power company had also alluded to the Management Programme which is being financed by the IDB with grant funding from the EU. This programme is intended to strengthen management, improve operational efficiencies and reduce losses.

“The company recognises that there is some level of public dissatisfaction with its services and is committed to actively addressing all issues relating to this, including faster response times to customer queries; more efficient delivery of services; ensuring the integrity of its officers, both internal and contracted; delivery of timely billing and information, amongst others.” GPL had said.

It added: “Our customers are the ultimate stakeholders and therefore is requesting the public’s patience and understanding. Additionally, the company’s significant losses due to electricity theft, tampering of meters, meter by-passes and other forms of dishonesty result in higher operating costs and GPL is requesting the help of the public in reporting and addressing these matters.”