MINISTER of Public Infrastructure David Patterson says that commercial residents are largely responsible for the annual loss in revenue to the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) due to the prevalence of electricity theft.

Furthermore, challenged by opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Juan Edghill during Wednesday’s budget debate to publish the areas where electricity theft is rampant, Patterson warned that these may very well be close allies of the former administration.
Electricity theft has for some time been widespread and a major headache for the power company, with the Public Utilities Commission’s annual 2017 report showing losses increasing by approximately 0.3 per cent from 2016.

The report also showed that while GPL’s system losses were projected at 27.6 per cent for 2017, technical losses were estimated at 12.9 per cent and non-technical losses at 14.7 per cent; at the end of 2017, the total combined losses were 29.5; 14.5 15.0 per cent respectively.

Addressing the National Assembly, Edghill criticised GPL as “one of the most mismanaged sectors” with electricity rationing in some communities even with billions being spent by the government to address these.

Edghill stated: “One of the recommendations that was made years ago is to publish by geographical location who thieving the current. Where the line losses occur and I remember there was one such publication and it revealed a lot. It was quite telling. I dare the Minister of Public Infrastructure, follow the recommendation and start publishing for the nation to see where the electricity theft is taking place.”

However, in a well-composed warning Minister Patterson, while not refusing, urged the MP to consider the possible backlash of his request on his own party. “Be careful what you ask for,” Patterson cautioned. “Electricity theft – sir let me enlighten the Honourable Member – residential which is the people you’re implying are thieving, the residential theft is only about 10 or 12 per cent of GPL. The rest [comes from] commercial theft, the big users! And you know who the big users were empowered by? Be careful when you ask me to go and publish the names [that] you know who you’re going after. Be careful what you ask for.”
Continuing on the topic of electricity, Patterson said that ?$3.6B has been earmarked for GPL while, by the end of 2018, upgrades will be completed to the generating facilities in Cane Field, Anna Regina and Bartica.

He said that Budget 2019 allows, too, for the flagship project of 1.184 megawatts Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems in 80 public buildings across the country costing $375M. In addition, $100M will go towards the supply of 400 stand-alone solar lights in all 10 admin regions; electric vehicles; a series of series for solar farms to come between 2019 and 2020.

In concluding, Patterson remarked: “When the coalition took office, in the relatively short time much has been achieved; but there is still much more to be done. With the impending oil and gas first-oil in 2020, we will continue to work assiduously together to ensure the quality of life of all Guyanese.”