HGP Nightly News – A web of illegal electrical hookups capable of triggering fires, electrocutions and neighbourhood blackouts has been dismantled after GPL uncovered more than 220 unauthorised connections in just three days.
The connections, collectively drawing approximately one megawatt of electricity, were discovered at Eccles, Diamond Phase Three, Little Diamond and sections of Sophia.
The exercise was conducted by the Guyana Power and Light Inc.’s Loss Reduction Department as the company and Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation launched a wider nationwide campaign against electricity theft.
While the stolen power represents less than one per cent of the interconnected grid’s peak demand, officials warned that the greatest danger is concentrated within the affected communities.
Illegal wires can bypass meters, circuit breakers and other protective systems, exposing residents to electric shocks and increasing the risk of electrical fires.
Emergency responders and GPL workers may also unknowingly encounter live wires while responding to fires, accidents or infrastructure problems.
“Illegal connections place additional pressure on transformers, feeders and other critical infrastructure, contributing to system overloads, equipment failures and power disruptions,” the ministry stated.
When multiple unauthorised connections draw power from a community transformer, the equipment can be forced to carry a load beyond what GPL anticipated.
That can lead to overheating, transformer failure and outages affecting customers with legal connections.
The ministry reminded residents that electricity theft is both dangerous and unlawful.
However, no arrests, charges or financial losses were announced following the operation.
GPL also did not disclose whether the connections served households, businesses or unoccupied properties. The discovery of 220 hookups does not necessarily mean that 220 individuals were separately responsible.
Persons using unauthorised connections have been urged to visit GPL and regularise their service before enforcement teams reach their communities.
The company said similar inspections would continue nationwide as part of efforts to improve the safety and reliability of the electricity network.
The crackdown comes as record demand places growing pressure on Guyana’s power system.
Peak consumption on the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System recently crossed 242 megawatts, up from approximately 221 megawatts during the corresponding period last year.
Demand is projected to climb towards 266 megawatts during the hottest period of the year, with air-conditioning units and other appliances driving heavy consumption between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
GPL’s registered customer base has also expanded from approximately 204,000 connections in 2020 to around 250,000 today amid rapid housing and commercial development.
With every available megawatt becoming increasingly important, GPL is now targeting electricity theft not only as a revenue problem but as a live-wire threat to communities and the workers sent to keep their lights on.
