KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC—Energy Minister Daryl Vaz says he intends to write to the Office of Utilities Regulations (OUR) on Monday amid reports that Jamaica Public Service (JPS) customers have been receiving an “unusual and major spike” in their latest electricity bills.
In a statement issued Sunday night, Vaz said he would also seek an explanation from the JPS regarding the increase.
Vaz, who has been critical of the JPS since Hurricane Beryl passed last month, resulting in thousands of consumers being without electricity, said he would insist on an investigation into multiple complaints about the issue from OUR.
“I’ve been bombarded by complaints from Jamaicans from all walks of life. I will also send correspondence to JPS insisting on an investigation into this development and an explanation.
“I will insist that JPS customers be treated fairly and justly. The widespread reports of a major spike in bills present an opportunity for us to deal with longstanding complaints about the JPS’ billing cycle once and for all,” Vaz said.
He said he has also received reports that JPS customers who have been without electricity for an extended time due to Hurricane Beryl have experienced a significant increase in their bills.
“The current development is unacceptable, and it would be appropriate should the OUR, which is the body authorized in law to regulate utility companies in Jamaica, immediately seek 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 a tariff review application from the JPS until this October, as the company is currently occupied with restoring electricity on the island.
The JPS, which reported a US$30.1 million profit over the first half of this year, should have applied for a tariff review in April.
The profit was a 7.1 percent increase over the company’s financial position last year when its revenues grew 7.6 percent to US$538.5 million.
OUR acting director, Ansord Hewitt, said the regulator has been advised that the application could be submitted by October, and a decision on any rate adjustment will be announced at the beginning 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 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 toward 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.
“We aim 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.
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