KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaica's Energy Minister Daryl Vaz says he intends writing to the Office of Utilities Regulations (OUR) on Monday amid reports that customers of the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) customers have been receiving an “unusual and major spike” in their latest electricity bills.
In a statement issued on Sunday night, Vaz said he would also be seeking an explanation from the JPS regarding the increase.
Vaz, who has been critical of the JPS since the passage of Hurricane Beryl last month resulting in thousands of consumers being without electricity, said he would be insisting from OUR an investigation into multiple complaints about the issue.
“I’ve been bombarded by complaints from Jamaicans from all walks of life. I will also be sending correspondence to JPS insisting on an investigation into this development and an explanation.
“I will insist that customers of the JPS be treated in a fair and just manner. The widespread reports of a major spike in bills presents an opportunity for us to once and for all deal with longstanding complaints about the JPS’ billing cycle,” Vaz said.
He said he is also received reports that JPS customers who were without electricity for an extended time due to Hurricane Beryl have received a major increase in their bills.
“The current development is unacceptable and it would be appropriate should the OUR, which is the body authorised in law to regulate utility companies in Jamaica, immediately seeks to assist the Government’s efforts to ensure just and fair treatment of the Jamaican people,” Vaz added.
Earlier this month, the OUR said it is not expecting any application for a tariff review from the JPS until this October, with the company currently occupied with restoring electricity on the island.
The JPS, which reported a US$30.1 million in profit over the first half of this year, should have submitted an application for a tariff review in April of this year.
The profit was a 7.1 per cent increase over the financial position last year when the company said that its revenues grew 7.6 per cent to US$538.5 million.
OUR acting director, Ansord Hewitt, said the regulator has been advised that the application could be submitted by October, with a decision on any rate adjustment to be announced at the start of January.
Meanwhile, JOS president and chief executive officer, Hugh Grant, said J$50 million in electricity bill support will be applied to 10,000 customers who are still without power in St Elizabeth.
“We are giving over J$50 million towards the electricity bills of the approximately 10,000 customers in St Elizabeth who are still without electricity. Each of these customers will receive $5,000 towards their bill. This will be reflected as a credit on their bills,” Grant told a news conference last week.
Grant said the JPS is also working to meet its August 31 deadline to restore electricity to the 10,000 customers.
“Our aim is to get electricity back for every customer here in St Elizabeth in a safe and timely manner and we are deploying resources from other parishes,” he added.
