PUC Decides Against Penalizing GPL Despite Failing Performance Standards in 2024
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA — The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has come under fire for its decision not to penalize the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL), despite the state-owned utility’s failure to meet seven out of eight performance benchmarks in 2024.
The PUC cited external factors—including damaged infrastructure, a global software upgrade, and electricity theft—as the main reasons for GPL’s underperformance, but noted that the utility’s performance still fell below expected standards.
Former Minister of Public Infrastructure and Alliance For Change (AFC) Chairman David Patterson told HGP Nightly News that the PUC’s move was politically influenced, pointing to the current chairman Dr. Nanda Gopaul’s affiliation with the ruling administration.
“The PUC under Ms. Britton fined GPL when it failed just three of the eight criteria. Now, they’ve failed seven—and they get a free pass,” Patterson argued.
“This is not about performance anymore. This is about politics.”
In a statement, the PUC said:
“Notwithstanding the company’s failures, the Commission is of the view that GPL has articulated several external factors… which contributed to the company’s failure to meet some of the performance indicators.”
The regulatory agency said it will continue to monitor GPL’s operations throughout 2025 to ensure compliance. However, Patterson insists that the absence of penalties reinforces a culture of substandard service.
“Without a strong regulatory body, GPL will keep failing the public. The Commission now seems more indebted to GPL than to the Guyanese people,” he stated.
In 2018, GPL was fined for failing just three standards. The AFC chair says the shift in accountability is deeply concerning, especially as blackouts, voltage fluctuations, and outages continue to disrupt households and businesses nationwide.
