Urges customers to report if they were sold a device to reduce electricity bill or face prosecution
NASSAU, BAHAMAS – On the heels of electricity being disconnected at several fast food franchises in Grand Bahama for their alleged use of fake energy-saving devices, Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) said it is presently investigating whether, and to what extent, its clients are using the same “energy saving devices” to lower their electricity bills.
A statement released Sunday from BPL’s Director of Communications, K. Quincy Parker outlined that while BPL has received queries concerning whether so-called ‘legitimate’ energy-saving devices are being targeted by BPL in an effort to secure revenue and profits, the company wants to emphasize that these energy-saving methods and renewables are not being questioned.
The statement outlined, however, that the company’s concern relates to the illegal diversion of energy in a potentially unsafe manner.
BPL said given that the devices are installed on the power company side of the meter, there is no way for customers to disconnect power without engaging BPL or trying to remove the device with ‘live’ power.
BPL advised its customers that if they were sold a product that is supposed to reduce their electricity bill, and they are concerned that they may have unknowingly participated in tampering with or diverting the energy supply, they should report it to the company.
BPL said if it is found that the customer was unknowingly involved in such a scheme, BPL will not prosecute, but the customer must come in and report their suspicions before it is discovered by BPL.
BPL stated, however, that if it discovers tampering or diversion, and the customer has not reported it, BPL will prosecute.
“BPL wishes to strongly caution consumers to report the installation of these devices voluntarily so that they may be safely removed,” the company stated.
Meanwhile, the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA), the regulators of Grand Bahama Power, has also launched an independent investigation into the ongoing allegations of power theft involving several fast food franchises and the energy-saving devices that were installed at these restaurants by a GPBA licensee.
A statement released last week by the Grand Bahama Power Company (GBPC) outlined that following in investigation, it was found that the energy-saving devices that were purchased by many businesses in Grand Bahama are bogus.
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