GPL warns of power disruption to unupgraded prepaid meters after Oct 31

With only four weeks left, roughly 18, 000 customers of Guyana Power and Light (GPL) using prepaid meters are under urgent notice to upgrade their devices before the critical October 31, 2024, deadline.

This necessary transition is part of a worldwide upgrade from ‘Version 4’ to ‘Version 6’ of the Standard Transfer Specification.

Speaking to the News Room on Wednesday, Rhonda La Fargue, Divisional Director of Customer Services at GPL, explained that the upgrade process began at the end of April with roughly 42 000 customers and is designed to ensure a smooth transition for all eligible prepaid meters.

Customers who do not upgrade by the deadline will face consequences: their meters will no longer accept tokens, potentially leading to power loss.

La Fargue detailed the upgrade procedure, stating that customers with upgradeable meters should contact GPL immediately via the Call Centre 226 2600 or WhatsApp 603 8645 OR 690 3128.

Once verified, they will receive three tokens to input in a specific order. The first two tokens serve as upgrade tokens, while the final token acts as a test to ensure the upgrade was successful and that the meter can now accept credit.

“After October 31, if customers attempt to purchase a token without upgrading, the token will not register on their meters,” La Fargue warned.

“Those who fail to upgrade their prepaid meters by October 31 will not have the option to do so afterwards, which is why we urge everyone to act now.”

As for customers with meters that cannot be upgraded, La Fargue reassured that GPL is taking steps to ensure they are not left without power.

Currently, approximately 18,000 of the 42,000 customers with upgradeable prepaid meters have not upgraded their meters. GPL has been proactive, sending out communications and deploying teams to assist customers directly in their communities.

“We are committed to helping our customers through this transition,” La Fargue stated. “We want to make sure everyone has the necessary information to upgrade their meters efficiently.”

For customers unsure about their meter’s upgradeability, GPL has published a list of meter numbers eligible for the upgrade. La Fargue encouraged customers to check their meter numbers against the published list and contact GPL for confirmation.

“Don’t wait until the last minute,” La Fargue advised. “Call our call centre or message us on WhatsApp to receive your tokens. We’re here to assist and ensure a smooth transition for everyone.”