THE Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Company has no plan to raise its electricity tariff but intends to continue the campaign of urging its 120,000-odd domestic customers to conserve on consumption.

This was the assurance given by the company’s Public Relations Officer (ag) Richard Francois who was asked to comment on yesterday’s Kaieteur News article titled, “GPL considering another rate hike.”

According to the article, referring to an anonymous source from the company, GPL is considering raising tariffs once again as the company “finds itself in a bind as it is clear that the US$85M budgeted for fuel this year will not suffice.”

Francois, who said he was surprised by the article, urged all stakeholders including the media to focus on encouraging Guyanese to conserve on electricity.

He said the appeal by the Company for customers to conserve electricity has not fallen on deaf ears because there has been a reduction in electricity demand this year.

The company has intensified its efforts to urge customers to conserve by launching a “Switch it off, Plug it out,” campaign in December.

While the company commends those who responded to the call, it continues to plead with all customers to join the conservation effort at the level of the home and office.

If each customer were to switch off one 10-watt bulb not in use during the peak period, it would reduce the need for the company to generate about 1.4 megawatts of power, Francois said.

“In order for GPL to continue providing a stable supply of electricity consumers will have to assist us in this period of record high prices.

When you leave on lights and appliances that are not in use, you are contributing to the wasting of fuel that is already expensive to acquire,” a recent GPL release said.

This appeal stems from the severe pressure which the company faces to maintain its present tariffs with the daily increase in fuel prices. Nevertheless, the company is exploring avenues to reduce cost and improve efficiency.

Approximately 3,000 barrels of heavy fuel oil and diesel are utilised daily to generate electricity. (GINA)