The Guyana Power and Light (GPL) has issued an urgent reminder to approximately 18,000 prepaid meter customers to upgrade their devices before the critical 31 October deadline, warning that failure to do so will result in the meters no longer accepting tokens.
According to a GPL release, this upgrade is part of a global transition from ‘Version 4’ to ‘Version 6’ of the Standard Transfer Specification (STS), aimed at improving the efficiency and functionality of prepaid meters.
The upgrade process, which began at the end of April, affects around 42,000 customers with upgradeable meters.Rhonda La Fargue, GPL’s Divisional Director of Customer Services, explained that while most customers have already upgraded, a significant portion remains at risk of losing service. “Customers who do not upgrade by the deadline will no longer be able to add credit to their meters, which could result in a loss of power,” La Fargue stated.
La Fargue outlined the upgrade procedure, which involves customers contacting GPL via its Call Centre at 226-2600 or through WhatsApp at 603-8645 or 690-3128. Once verified, customers will receive three tokens to input into their meters in a specific sequence.
The first two tokens will upgrade the meter, and the third will confirm that the upgrade was successful, allowing the meter to continue accepting credit.“After 31 October, any attempt to purchase and apply tokens to a non-upgraded meter will fail,” La Fargue emphasised.
She also noted that customers who miss the deadline will not have the option to upgrade afterwards.For customers whose meters are not eligible for the upgrade, GPL is taking steps to ensure their electricity service remains uninterrupted.Despite extensive outreach efforts, including direct communication and community assistance, approximately 18,000 customers have yet to upgrade their meters.
“We are committed to assisting our customers through this transition. It is crucial that everyone acts now to avoid any disruption in service,” La Fargue urged.GPL has published a list of meter numbers eligible for the upgrade, and La Fargue advised customers to check their meters against the list.
She also encouraged customers to contact GPL for verification and guidance on completing the process.