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In This Issue

A message from Mr. Bharat DindyalCEO Guyana Power and Light Inc.

Cummings Parkresidents benefits from the Network Rehabilitation Project

Fighting losses through the AMI

Merging our Call Centres

GPL’s Modernization Plan

Frequency Conversion Project

GPL’s rejuvenated Website

Easter Celebrations

Mashramani Celebrations

Social Activities Committee relaunced

Our Employees

Prepaid Meter Tariff Recovery

We are fortunate to be witnessing the greatest expansion in the history of the GPL on this our fourteenth (14) anniversary, an expansion that would, in many ways, define the future of the Company. Over US$147M is being spent on generation, transmission, substation, distribution and automation of critical assets expected to go into operation in 2013. GEC/GPL has consistently struggled with inadequate resources resulting in struggles on every front.

This trend will be reversed by the end of 2013 West Demerara will be linked to the Demerara transmission system via a submarine cable across the Demerara river, new substations will be operational at Vreed-en-Hoop and Edingburg (West Coast), a new 26MW Wartsila power plant would be in commercial operation at Vreed-en-Hoop, new substations would be in operation at Golden Grove (East Bank), Georgetown, Sophia, Good Hope (East Coast), Columbia (Upper East Coast) and a new Central Control Center at Sophia equipped with a sophisticated SCADA system will be operational.

High losses remain the single greatest threat to GPL and sustainable loss reduction is our goal. In the past, we used a combination of technology and labour intensive methods to confront losses but while the initial results were good, losses have stagnated around 32%.

The latest in metering technology would now be introduced to tackle this problem, supported by innovative network designs to form a coordinated approach. Technology will therefore lead the loss reduction fight of the future reducing the dependence on old policing methods and exposing our staff to danger.

Some progress has been made in improving Customer Service but much more was expected. Our new Customer Information System (CIS) has been in use

For us, technology inspires our vision: to deliver superior, sustainable

solutions for Guyana.

Loss Reduction

Customer Service

over two years now but we are still only using the basic features of the application. We have now devised a plan, to be implemented incrementally over the next five years, to transform Customer Service much faster to the high standards all our Consumers expect. The use of ICT to improve all our processes, leveraging more features of CIS, widespread use of SMART metering, online billing and vastly reducing the hassles of bill payment and querying are some of the elements of this new plan.

While service delivery has improved over the past years consumers still complain of power outages. With the generation and overloaded network problems being addressed, adequate maintenance of our networks remains a challenge. We expect that this problem would be addressed comprehensively in the coming months and years. Our distribution system has expanded dramatically over the last eight years placing a heavy burden on our maintenance capacity.

To address this problem the Company would increase its investment in articulated vehicles and specialized power tools. This investment would be supplemented by specialized training to undertake live–line maintenance.

GPL would continue to engage contract resources to assist in network maintenance and emergency services.

Change is always accompanied by doubt and concerns about job security. In these times of exciting change, new opportunities would present themselves. In some cases completely new skill sets are required while in others it’s a matter of updating our training for the new technologies we would be employing. Management would engage staff and make appropriate training available as it would always be our intention to make the opportunities available to them first. See change as pregnant with opportunities rather than a death sentence

Our Performance

Our Staff

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Loss Reduction remains a critical component in the GPL’s sustainability and our Company has strategized and invested billions of dollars and implemented several initiatives to address the problem. GPL has made modest gains in containing electricity theft and reducing the percentage of electricity lost to theft, while recognizing that persons continue to find newer and more sophisticated ways to steal electricity, the Company has intensified its efforts to deal with the problem.

This loan was inked on September 23, 2011 by President Luis Alberto Moreno representing the IDB and Hon. Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh representing GoG under loan agreement Sustainable Operation of the Electricity Sector and Improved Quality of Service: LO-2567/BL-GY.

Divisional Director Kumar Sharma and Divisional Director Renford Homer in discussions with residents of Cummings Park who benefitted from the project.

Cummings Park residents are the first beneficiaries of the GPL/IDB

Network Rehabilitation

Project

The US$5M Network Rehabilitation loan funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the

Government of Guyana proved great success in the Cummings Park

Community.

This project is premised under fundamental principles which will help to improve the overall efficiency of the system by:

(1) achieving a lower level of electricity losses;

(2) improving operation and maintenance of the distribution network;

(3) improving understanding of the main technical, financial, social, environmental and operational issues;

(4) reducing the incidence of theft of electricity; and

(5) gaining commitment to the sustainability of the power sector.

In an effort to ensure that the project objectives are met sufficiently, the project is being executed through three (3) components over the 4 year plan. These components are (1) Capacity Building and Energy Conservation (2) – Rehabilitation of the Low Voltage (LV) Distribution Network and (3) Commercial Loss Reduction (LR) Actions.

The residents of Cummings Park being the first beneficiaries of the works associated with project has testified to the improvement of the new system.

Ms. Angela Young a resident of Cummings Park for over 15 years remarked “the first thing I noticed was the fact that we are not getting low voltage, … people are unable to thief the electricity so paying customers are getting the right supply”.

This is an incremental step on the Company’s behalf as similar rehabilitative work will be carried out in communities namely: Region 3: Canal No. 2, La Grange, Windsor Forest, Region 4: East La Penitence, North East La Penitence, Victoria, Enmore, Mon Repos, Helena Mahaica and Region 6: Lochaber New Amsterdam, Edinburgh, Cotton Tree, Canje, Now or Never, Rosignol H/S, Springlands, Rose Hall and Miss Phoebe-Port Mourant.

This operation will help to improve the quality of service provided by the utility and strengthen its technical capabilities. It will also promote the resourceful use of energy and the culture of payment.

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Fighting losses through AdvancedMetering Infrastructure

Through the introduction of various initiatives. GPL remains resolute on combating technical and commercial losses which can affect the operations of the Company and ultimately the services we offer to our growing customer base.

One such initiative to be unveiled this year is the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) project which is being funded by the Inter American Development Bank (IADB) at an investment cost of over US$30M for approximately 2000 customers within the business hub of Georgetown.

This project will allow the business community between Vlissengen Road to Avenue of the Republic and North Road

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to Croal Street to benefit from the AMI’s automated architecture, two-way communication between a smart utility meter with an IP address and our Company.

The goal of an AMI is to provide GPL with real-time data about power consumption and it will also allow customers to make informed choices about energy usage based on the price at the time of use.

The introduction of AMI will strengthen our current loss recovery programme as it will significantly reduce the need for labour intensive strategies which creates an environment for fraud and corruption from unscrupulous employees.

On Saturday, June 29, 2013 without any glitches the Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) has taken another crucial stride towards improving its Customer Service satisfaction through the merging of the Sophia Emergency Call Centre and Customer Services Call Centre.

This merger will vastly improve communicat ion and act ion between the Company and our valued customers. The agents are trained to offer assistance with a variety of tasks; including but not limited to; Billing, Complaints, Queries and the like.

In addition, your emergency calls will also be greeted with improved response as a result of this merger.

The Call Centre numbers remains the same and our agents can be contacted on telephone numbers 226-2606, 226-4015 and 226-4016.

Merging of GPL Call Centres

Our Customer Service Representatives catering to the needs of our valued customers.

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GPL’S MODERNIZATION PLAN

The Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) in collaboration with the Government of Guyana and the China Export –Import Bank through a concessionary loan of US$38.963 million are forging ahead with the development and expansion of GPL’s Transmission and Distribution System. This loan is supplemented by US$3.9 million from GPL’s revenue for preparatory works, including route clearing, site preparation and backfilling to above 2005 flood levels.

The Infrastructure Development project will see the construction of seven (7) new 69/13.8Kv Sub Stations, approximately 96Km of 69Kv overhead Transmission Lines, the upgrade and expansion of three (3) existing Sub Stations and the construction of a Fiber Optic Network Linking all substations from Skeldon in the East, Edinburgh in the West and Garden of Eden in the South to a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) System at a New Control Centre at Sophia.

The Transmission Lines and Substations will serve to integrate major load centres along the coast, and will provide the capability to move bulk power from large, efficient, heavy fuel oil fired generating plants in Demerara and Berbice to those load centers. Additionally, new 13.8Kv primary distribution feeder outlets at the substations will allow existing long, overloaded feeders, especially on the East and West Coast Demerara, to be segmented into shorter, more lightly loaded sections.

New Vreed-en-Hoop Substation New Sophia Substation

The First Priority Works on the West Demerara were completed and commissioned since early December 2012 and are providing an improved quality of service to that region. These Works are: (i) the expansion of the Kingston 69Kv Substation, (ii) the installation of a 69Kv submarine cable across the Demerara River from Kingston to Vreed-en-Hoop, (iii) construction of two new substations at Vreed-en-Hoop and Edinburgh, and (iv) construction of a 69Kv transmission line linking the two new substations.

GPL wishes to assure all that system improvements and upgrades will contribute to improved services to our valued customers. However, with the advent of GPL’s budget cut of $5.2B the Company’s development plan will be adversely affected.

The existing Sophia 69Kv substation is being expanded and upgraded and linked to a new Sophia 69Kv substation. The works in the existing Sophia 69Kv substation necessitated a number of power outages to Consumers on the East Coast and parts of South Georgetown and the East Bank. Now that new equipment has been positioned in the Sophia substation its complete shutdown is required to integrate this new equipment with existing equipment.

GPL afforded the media an opportunity to view the completed works at the existing Sophia Substation so that they can better appreciate the scope of works being executed. In addition, our company completed the final shutdown of the Substation on July 14, 2013 where the new equipment for the new Sophia Substation were connected. This shutdown affected the power supply of consumers from North Sophia to Bygeval (Mahaica) and Georgetown.

These developments will result in improved quality of supply, system stability, improved voltage regulation, and reduction of technical losses. They will also prepare the system to accept and distribute power from the Amaila Falls Hydroelectric Project.

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REALIZING WORLD STANDARDConversion of Frequenciesfrom 50Hz to 60HzOver the years, the Guyana Power and Light Inc.(GPL) has always had the conversion of the distribution system of Demerara and Berbice to a single frequency at the fore front and in 2013, works commenced in Demerara and a dream materialized.

Several communities were successfully converted to the 60Hz frequencies across Demerara, the communities are namely: Sections of Bel Air Park, Campbellville, Kingston, Thomas Land, Cummingsburg, Bourda, Albertown, Queenstown, Robbstown, Werk-en-Rust, Charlestown, Albouystown, La Penitence, Riverview, West Ruimveldt, Ruimveldt Industrial Estate and Meadow Bank. Exhibition Compound, Homestretch Avenue and Shelter Belt Compound.

The purpose of the standardization of the distribution system to a single frequency is to supply the electric power demand in an efficient, reliable and cost-effective manner.

The exercise coincides with conversion of units at the Wartsila Kingston 1 Plant from 50Hz to 60 Hz, and will lead to a significant reduction in technical losses as there will be no need to operate the rotary converters to convert from one frequency to another.

The scope entails the replacement of 50Hz transformers, upgrading primary distribution network, constructing new network and dividing Georgetown into power supply network zones.

Utilization of a single frequency will allow GPL greater flexibility in providing alternative supply in the event of network faults, and improve on the level of service

A technician working within the Cummingsburg area.

provided. In addition, consumers’ equipment rated for dual frequency (50hz/60hz) operation will function more efficiently.

The objectives of the conversion are: to decommission the converters, construct transmission lines and associated substations with 13.8KV, 60Hz outlets, to significantly reduce feeder lengths and the associated losses, and adequately supply the combined 50Hz and

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Excitement flew high on the eve of Easter Monday as the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) once again donated kites to the Joshua House Orphanage and Ruimveldt Chi ldrens ’ Home , g iv ing loca l underprivileged youngsters the chance to have a delightful Easter.

Big smiles beamed across the faces of the children in receipt of the kites, all out of yet another commendable initiative undertaken by GPL Inc.

Joshau House Children in receipt of their kitesThe children of the Ruimveldt Childrens’ Home and our staff members Leisel Welcome & Wadecia Donald

Our colleague Leisel Welcome distributing a kite to a charming child.

GPL secures 1st Place win!This year’s, Mashramani was celebrated under the theme “Reflecting Creativity, Embracing Diversity”, brought much success to the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) first entry into the Mashramani Building Designs competition. A design which embodied this years’ team was crafted in the mind of a young brilliant artist, Mr. Neilson Nurse who conceptualized and executed a brilliant master piece which allowed GPL to easily secure first place in the competition.

Umbrellas and fabrics draped our middle street annex location in the colours of the national flag became an instant eye catcher within that business hub as eyes passed and gazed at the unique designs that set GPL apart from its competitor.

Mashramani being an Amerindian word which means “celebration after hard work”, depicts the feelings of our management, staff and designer who all worked together to achieve this succession.

INTRODUCTORY ISSUE

1st

PLACE

GPL’s Middle St Annex placed 1st in the 2013 Commercial Buildings

Competition.

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Rejuvenation of the Social Activities

CommitteeThe Social Activities Committee meeting convened and those who answered the call to be active serving members were present on January 31, 2013.

The meeting commenced with Deputy Human Resources Manager - Mr. Dale De’Roy positing the need for earnest work and rebranding the output of the committee in a manner that fosters its sustainability. He also charged those gathered to work together in an effort to avoid having dissolution of this new committee.

An election was held with all those present and following are the results of office bearers:

Mr. Matthew Moore

Mr. Clyde Mc Almont

Ms. Wadecia Donald

Ms. Donnel Joseph

Shirley Hazel Leisel WelcomeJamal FordeFrank GulliverWarren BradfordPhalyanjee NadkumarRichard WelchRavi Prashad Gershom Skerrett Floyd Cameron Ramesh Persaud Frank Stoby Savitri Thomas

Chairman

Vice-Chairman

Secretary

Treasurer

New Office Bearers:

Coordinating Members :

Mr. Moore, following his acceptance to serve in the capacity of Chairman pledged his support towards the development of the Company through his leadership.

The committee hosted several successful hot dog sales in Demerara, Berbice and Essequibo and a karaoke event in Georgetown; these being two of many events slated to be executed in the 2013 calendar of events.

The committee remains resolute in generating revenue from these events that will ultimately benefit all of the Company’s employees throughout Guyana and to reduce its dependency on the Company’s Management for financial aid.

The arbitration panel recently awarded a maximum of six per cent in salary increases for workers at GPL, ending a protracted dispute between our company and the union. The grade one workers received an increase of six percent, while the other categories received an i n c re a s e o f 5 . 5 p e rc e n t retroactive to January 2012.

5.5%-6% INCREASE

GPL’s VALUED STAFF received

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Launching our new website!

The day has finally arrived and we are proud to introduce our brand new website! The previous website left much to be desired for our vibrant and evolving company.

The site lacked the vibrancy in aesthetics yearned for by the Board of Directors, Management and staff; in recognition of this fact, the Company sought to improve upon its existing website under the stewardship of Mr. Aeshwar Deonarine - Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Renford Homer - Senior Divisional Director Commercial Services and Information Technology and Mr. Devon Sampson - Web Content Administrator.

The rejuvenated and re engineered website.

Just in case you didn't see it, here is a screen shot of the old website.

Good Visual Design

Thoughtful User Interface

How important is that first impression in all that we do? Well, our website certainly leaves that modern memorable impression. It’s easy and interactive aesthetics fosters a lengthy stay on our website learning about our Company - where we were, where we are and certainly our bright future!

Complimenting a good design is our thoughtful user interface. The user interface is the foundation of any good functional web site and we have incorporated all of our customers’ needs into this new design. We have made this new site simplified so that our not so “tech-savy” users may enjoy its features as much as a highly computer literate user. The design again speaks to the expertise of the developer Mr. Devon Sampson as he created “an experience” for our valued customers and users.

The navigation is spot on and consistent throughout the entire website with secondary and primary navigational tools guiding users to our content pages.

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So, What’s New?

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Navigation

Meaningful Content

Search blogs

Part of having an easy to navigate web site is ensuring that the primary means of navigation links to the key areas of your site are kept above the fold. This trending trick coincides with today’s large computer monitors and growing screen resolutions.

The website boasts main sections/headers with the most frequently accessed areas clearly placed and visible upon entering the home page. Consistency remaining a fore player in the design allowed for both primary and sub-navigational links in the same spot throughout the various pages of your web site.

Complimenting those features are the Images and text links which form the main navigational tools on the website making it possible for people to find the content they are looking.

An attractive website is good but content is even better! The website remains a work in progress as each Department that drives the Company are working in tandem with the Public Relations Unit to build content for the website.

As our Company evolves so will our website as energies are directed towards updating, monitoring and evaluating the website.

Diversity of needs is another great element upon which the website was built as it embodies helpful search tools. These tools minimize wading through hundreds of pages before finding exactly what the user wants.

Sitemap

Sign Up/ Subscribe:

The site map offers an insight into the entire site from one page. It guides users based on menu headings and it reveals the hidden pages within them. By utilizing this feature each user can have an overview of the entire site from one view/page.

This feature will be launched as we continue to improve the website. This feature will allow users to subscribe to our newsletters, press releases and online bill (E-billing).

Kindly encourage your colleagues, family, relatives and friends to visit the website and return a feedback in an effort to continuously improve the features and services we offer to you on our website and the Company.

The website was introduced to the public who attended the Building Expo 2013

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WWW.GPLINC.COM

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Our Valued Employees

NEW FACES

Mr. Keith John has been appointed Legal Officer

to serve within the Executive Secretariat effective March 20, 2013

Speaking on his appointment, Mr. Jonathon remarked “under my portfolio, I aim to provide an opportunity for advancement and growth and where I can contribute my knowledge, experience, skills and personal strength, I will…’This passion will serve brilliantly as part of his mandate which will be to implement stronger and strategic administrative planning systems throughout the company.

Mr. Jonathon has a wealth of experience dating all the way back to 1985; where he served in various administrative capacities in numerous companies in Ontario Canada. His patriotism has led to his return to Guyana to offer his talents and services towards the development of our Company and Guyana.

Mr. Jonathon is the holder of a Bachelor of Law (LL.B) from the University of Guyana and the University of the West Indies. He is also professionally equipped with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from York University, Toronto, ON. Complimenting these qualifications are his certificates in Alternative Dispute Resolution, Immigration Consultancy, Legal Assistant and Paralegal Studies.

He will use his 28 years in the field of administrative management to serve in his appointment at GPL.

Mr. Dukharan Jonathon has been appointed Administrative Manager

to serve within the Administrative Department Middle Street

effective September 20, 2012

Under his portfolio Mr. John has a tall order but his vast experience and tactical skills will no doubt enable him well ,to execute his duties on behalf of the Company. Mr. John is tasked with representing the Company in both civil and criminal litigation, in initiating legal proceedings and pursuing legal matters, among other responsibilities.

Keith John has made a remarkable entry into the records of the University of Guyana, as being the first student to graduate with two degrees at the same time in the Faculty of Social Sciences. He is the holder of Bachelor of Social Sciences (Management) and a Bachelor of Law.

Following his studies at the University of Guyana, he pursued further studies in Law at the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad for the Legal Education Certificate, and was subsequently admitted to practice Law in Guyana and the Caribbean.

His quest for learning knows no boundaries. He continues to pursue tertiary education and he is currently reading for a Master Degree in Business Administration with the Commonwealth of Learning and the University of Guyana, to complement his existing Master Degree in Law attained from the University of London, England.

Mr. Persaud is an accomplished Human Resources Management Professional with over thirty (30) years of experience at the senior management executive level in leading national and regional organizations. He possesses expert level skills in human resources policy and manpower planning, re c ru i tmen t , con t r a c t and s a l a r y administration, union negotiations, grievance procedures and maintenance of stable industrial relations which will serve him diligently under his new portfolio as GPL’s Divisional Director of Human Resources.

Under his new portfolio, Mr. Persaud is tasked with but not limited to supervising all Heads of the Personnel, Administrative, Training and Development and Safety Health and Environmental Unit, ensuring that Company confirms to all Labour and other relevant Laws with respect to Labour and Industrial Relations, Occupational Safety Health and Environment and the City Bylaws Rules and Regulations.

His excellent executive and strategic m a n a g e m e n t s k i l l s , m u l t i t a s k i n g , communication and negotiation skills, strong results-driven philosophy for timely execution, goal achievement and enhanced organizational effectiveness will be an asset to our Company as he executes his duties.

With the afore mentioned credentials, we are without question reassured that his service at GPL will be of premier standards.

Mr. Bal PersaudHas been appointed

Divisional Director-Human Resourcesto serve within the Human Resources Division-

Middle Street effective July 02, 2013

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Our Valued Employees

OUR RETIREES

Winslow GrantFormer SuperintendentT&D Anna ReginaPeriod of Service :June 6,1972 - August 24, 2012

May you always have work for your hands to do.May your pockets hold always a coin or two.May the sun shine bright on your window pane.May the rainbow be certain to follow each rain.May the hand of a friend always be near you.And may God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.

Irish Retirement Blessing

Robert JohnsonFormer Senior Meter ReaderPeriod of Service: August 1 ,1976 - February 3, 2012.

George Ting a KeeFormer Administrative ManagerPeriod Of Service:February 16, 1980 - August 14, 2012

Corinthians 5:6-8 So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.

Lennox JohannisFormer Project Officer | Projects UnitSunrise: July 21, 1948Sunset: July 21, 2012

Lemuel Ogle Former Technician | Garden Of Eden Sunrise: December 24, 1990Sunset: January 15, 2013

Deceased

INTRODUCTORY ISSUE

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

COOLING

LIGHTING

1. Switch computers off when it’s not in use. Even switching a monitor off over tea and lunch break prevents excessive heat build up in a room.

2. Don’t leave equipment on standby mode. They continue to us up to 70% of normal power consumption.

1. Keep doors and windows closed while AC is on.

2. Turn off ACS at the end of your work day.

3. Report any factors which affect comfort levels such as draughty windows and doors. A simple repair could save energy and improve user comfort.

Switch off all lights at the end of your work day.

FOR THE FOR THE FOR THE

Public Relations UnitExecutive Secretariat

91 Duke Street, Kingston

Tel: 592-225-1471 | Fax: 592-231-0105Website: www.gplinc.com

Emergency Call CentreTel: 592-226-4015 | 592-226-4016

Interactive Voice Response IRVTel: 592-226-0783

Commercial Call CentreTel: 592-226-2600

Please be informed that you can contribute to the

We are accepting any articles from staff that would help to improve this newsletter.

We welcome your :

You may contact

Please Note: The PR Unit reserves the right to deny any inappropriate contributions.

POEMS | COMIC STRIPS GPL RELATED CARTOONS | ARTICLES

The Public Relations UnitTel: 592-225-1471 | Fax: 592-231-0105Email: publicrelations@gplinc.com

For Further assistance contact the GPL Call Centre 226-2606

If you initially purchased prepaid tokensat the lower rate and subsequently

used in excess of 75 kilowatts hours in any month,you will have to pay the $402 Recovery charge

Explaining the $402Recovery Charge

to GPL’s ResidentialPre-Paid Meter Users

For energy up to 75 kilowatt hours in any monthyou pay a lower rate of $48.42

Recovery charge represents difference $5.36between these rates x 75 kwhs = $402

For energy in excess of 75 kilowatt hours in any monthyou pay a higher rate of $53.78

Post Paid Customers are charged similar ratesAND a monthly fixed charge

Reminder

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Tips