Electricity theft, infrastructure damage hamper GPL performance in 2025, says Utilities Commission

The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has identified electricity theft and repeated damage to infrastructure as key factors affecting the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) performance in 2025, according to its annual report.
PUC Chairman Dr. Nanda Gopaul said GPL failed to meet most of its performance targets last year but was not penalised due to a range of operational challenges.
These included damage to infrastructure caused by vehicles and equipment incidents, system software upgrades, and electricity theft, all of which disrupted service delivery, the report said.
Despite the shortfalls, the Commission said it expects improved compliance and continued strengthening of GPL’s operational performance.
The report noted that Guyana’s electricity sector recorded a four per cent increase in its customer base, reflecting population growth and expansion in residential and commercial development.
Net electricity sales rose by six per cent, driven by broad-based demand across consumer categories.
The PUC also highlighted GPL’s ongoing modernisation efforts, including the construction of new substations, upgrades to existing infrastructure, integration of clean energy initiatives, and deployment of advanced technology-based systems.
Dr. Gopaul said GPL is making steady progress toward modernisation and expansion of the national power network.