July 27, 2001
LUCELEC REINTRODUCES MONTHLY METER READING

St. Lucia Electricity Services Ltd (Lucelec) will be re-introducing monthly meter reading in July 2001. The company however states that the introduction will be phased and it is expected to be fully implemented by December 2001.

For the month of July, existing meter readers will undertake the exercise progressively, via overtime. From September, this will be complemented by the use of outside contractors who will be hired over the coming months.

Electronic hand held meter reading devices (EMRs) will be used to capture the information, which will then be electronically uploaded to Lucelec's computer system from which bills will be generated directly. The use of EMRs not only speeds up the process, but eliminates the need for manual data entry, reducing the possibility of human error.

The company's press release, dated July 6, states that "One of the major challenges faced by Lucelec in meter reading is access to meters. Consequently, Lucelec is currently exploring ways of dealing with this problem. In some instances, Lucelec will assist in enabling meter relocation. Another method under consideration is allowing persons to telephone into Lucelec and provide the meter reading. While Lucelec will assist in relocating meters, the onus is on the household to ensure unrestricted access to meters, and if attempts by Lucelec fail, this will cause difficulties and may ultimately lead to disconnection of service. Lucelec therefore urges the public's fullest cooperation in this regard."

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