McCoy slams Opposition over support for electricity theft

Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister (PM) Kwame McCoy has accused the political Opposition of encouraging illegal electricity connections, arguing that such connections pose risks to the national power network and public safety.

McCoy’s comments came following recent enforcement exercises by Guyana Power and Light (GPL), during which the utility removed more than 55 illegal connections along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway.

In a statement, McCoy said the connections overload the electricity network, damage transformers and other infrastructure, disrupt service and expose residents to electrocution and electrical fires. He said residents seeking electricity should use the lawful process through GPL and urged political leaders to encourage compliance with the law and respect for private property. “Political leaders have a duty to encourage residents to engage the relevant authorities, respect private property and follow the law,” McCoy said.

He accused the Opposition of attempting to legitimise electricity theft and said such actions disregard the rights of customers who pay for electricity while creating risks for the wider electricity network. McCoy specifically criticised United States (US)-sanctioned and indicted Opposition Leader, Azruddin Mohamed, whom he accused of leading the campaign. Mohamed is currently before the courts in extradition proceedings arising from an 11-count indictment in the US. The indictment includes allegations relating to gold smuggling, racketeering and other criminal enterprises.

McCoy said the issue should not be framed as one of political empowerment, arguing that citizens should not be encouraged to break the law for political purposes. His comments come amid a wider GPL enforcement drive targeting illegal connections across the country. On Friday, GPL removed 63 illegal connections during an enforcement exercise in New Amsterdam, Region Six.

The exercise, conducted by the utility’s Loss Reduction Department, targeted Angoy’s Avenue and Budhan Scheme and covered 59 pole spans. Several persons were also cautioned against illegally connecting to GPL’s network. The New Amsterdam exercise followed the removal of more than 55 illegal connections at Kuru Kuru College Road along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway.

GPL has said electricity theft contributes to its commercial losses, which, together with technical losses, account for between 13 and 15 per cent of the utility’s total losses. The company has estimated that each percentage point represents more than $200 million in lost revenue. GPL has also warned that illegal connections can overload transformers and feeders, damage network infrastructure and contribute to power disruptions, while creating risks of electrocution and electrical fires.

The utility has reiterated that electricity theft is a criminal offence and said enforcement exercises will continue across Guyana. Members of the public can report suspected illegal connections through GPL’s confidential hotlines at 226-2600 and 0475, or via WhatsApp at 699-4882.