Prepaid Metering for Guyana
GPL will be introducing the prepaid metering system for domestic and small businesses. The system will be implemented in phases over a period of several years. The first phase will be conducted in the Bourda market, sections of Kitty and Newtown Kitty, sections of Festival City and North Ruimveldt and Black Bush Polder. These areas were chosen because they are representative of the wider society.
GPL would be using two types of meters, the Cashpower Power Rail Split meter and the Jade Split Meter. The meters come in two parts, the actual meter and an interface unit, commonly referred to as the customer interface unit, (CIU).  Customer Interface Unit
The customer interface unit (CIU) is a 12- key keypad with audible feedback that allows for the entry of tokens and the accessing of various management functions. It also has a custom liquid crystal display which shows the remaining credit among other features. Each customer will be provided a pamphlet outlining the available features and how to access them.Â
The CIU is mainly a remote extension of the meter, and communication between the two units takes place in real time. It can be set to information mode by the entry of a 3 digit code by the customer. In this mode, electricity consumption over the current or past 30 days or 24 hours can be displayed. These along with the display of instantaneous power consumption can aid the consumer in prudent management of electrical energy.
The CIU provides both visible and audible alarms to indicate that the credit level is at or below preset "low level" limits.
The CIU does not measure power consumption and damage to the unit and/or communication cable will in no way interfere with the provision of electricity to the consumer or the related decrease in available credit. However, such damage will prevent consumers from entering a new voucher into the meter when the available credit expires. To avoid the inconvenience, consumers are encouraged to take care of the CIU and the communication cable.
Benefits of Prepaid Meter to Customers
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The prepaid electricity meter allows you the customers to make small   payments
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Pay the amount you want to, as you use.
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You can purchase electricity as you require. This will allow you to utilize the amount of electricity you consume on a monthly basis or otherwise. Remember it is just like prepaid cell phones.
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Payment is easy, you buy electricity at your convenience.
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Imagine there will be no more fixed charges.
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Think about it, this system allows consumers to be in control of their own electricity consumption.
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No more embarrassment from your power being cut off.Â
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There will be no more disconnection crews.
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 No more reconnection fee.
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No more bill due date.
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No more estimated bills.
Customer Public Education/Public Awareness Information
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The prepaid meter system provides you with the ability to monitor your electricity usage.   Â
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You are totally in charge of the amount of energy you burn per month.
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You can make lifestyle adjustments that benefit you.
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You have full control of your own electricity, you control how much you want to spend, as well as how much you use.
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Your electricity expenses will be what you want it to be.
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You will receive a statement of your electricity consumption from the GPL, either annually or semi annually.
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You can budget in a real way your electricity expense.
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The prepaid metering system is the easier more convenient way to manage your electricity consumption
 Customer Option
Prepaid meter is great for energy conservation, if you are finding that you are using too much energy, you can respond immediately by turning off appliances within your home.
You will never believe you can save so much in electricity until you start monitoring your own use.
For comments/questions contact the Public Relations Department at Tel. 225-1471, fax 227-1978, email publicrelations@gplinc.com
NOTICE
GPL would be holding public consultations with the customers in the selected areas soon. Look out for us we'll be coming your way soon.