–gov’t to examine existing gaps to ensure better service for all Guyanese
–President Ali says as new PUC Chairman, Public Service Appellate Tribunal members appointed

PRESIDENT, Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Monday, emphasised the importance of strengthening the regulations of public utilities in Guyana, citing the need for fair and reliable services for all citizens.
The Head of State made those remarks shortly after administering the Oath of Office to the new Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), Dr. Nanda Kishore Gopaul and members of the Public Service Appellate Tribunal: Justice Beasraj Singh Roy, Hydar Ally and Abiola Wong-Inniss at the Office of the President.

“The work of the Public Utilities Commission is of paramount importance to both consumers and businesses. Public utilities provide essential service such as electricity, water and telecommunications. These services form the backbone of daily life and economic activity,” the President said, adding:
“The regulation of these utilities is crucial in ensuring that the rights of consumers are protected, and that essential services provided to our citizens and businesses are reliable, affordable at the highest quality.”
The government, he highlighted, has been “relentless” in building and maintaining infrastructure that will bring reliable services.
“We’re looking to reduce the cost of electricity, and we’re looking to make supply of electricity more reliable, efficient and stable. We’re doing this at a time and across the globe, many countries are faced with difficulties providing such service,” he said, while highlighting that the regulatory body will play a crucial role by enhancing the quality and reliability of essential services.

The President said: “These services directly impact the efficiency and growth of businesses. The quality of public utilities can act as either incentive or disincentive for attracting investment, improve utility services, ensure that businesses can operate with few disruptions, reduce operational costs, tap into new opportunities and acquire competitive edges.”
Acknowledging the gap in access to regulatory bodies like the PUC, President Ali stressed the need for government to take robust action in bridging gaps, particularly in the hinterland communities.
“We believe, as a government we need to do more to ensure that all our citizens are acquainted with the different commissions, and are acquainted with their rights, so that they can equally benefit from and take part in and be a part of these commissions,” he said.
He further stressed that quality and affordable utility service have a profound impact on the lives of consumers by ensuring that essential needs are satisfied. He said that having access to essentials such as electricity and clean water are paramount and fundamental for daily living.

He further highlighted that telecommunications is no longer a luxury, but a necessity of life.
Dr. Ali related that the government is prepared to support efforts to strengthen the country’s regulatory framework in relation to the PUC, so as to allow the body to better discharge its mandate in a more modernised economy.

“We are already discussing how we can strengthen the PUC,” President Ali said.

He added: “Every community will have a chance to be connected. And this is because we have been investing in the latest technology available, because we believe that people, all the people of our country, have a fundamental right to the same access, giving them the same opportunity and allowing them the same prospects in life.”

Effective regulation, Dr. Ali said, will ensure that utility services are provided reliably and at the reasonable cost, benefitting consumers and economy as a whole.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to consumer protection and investor interest, while emphasising the need for robust regulation to balance these competing interests.
The role of the PUC is enhancing, with services to both citizens and businesses becoming increasingly crucial.

Dr. Ali said: “This enhanced role also endows [PUC] with greater market power and influence, which must be carefully managed to avoid potential misuse. Balancing this market power in public interest requires robust regulation to ensure that utilities operate fairly and in a manner that serves the needs of all stakeholders. The PUC is entrusted to the task of ensuring that these entities do not exploit their market.”