Energy Minister concerned about timing of 7% increase on JPS bills

 

Energy Minister Daryl Vaz is expressing concern about the timing of the 7 per cent increase of Jamaica Public Service (JPS) bills for the November cycle.

 

Addressing a press briefing on Tuesday, he said the approval, which was granted by the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR), underscores a number of issues the government has with the current JPS licence. 

 

"The bottom line is that the current JPS licence cannot continue in its current form. For this reason, as Energy Minister, I could not entertain the extension of the existing licence and the existing terms for another 10 to 15 years. The current licence does not protect the consumer and the independent regulator can do very little to intervene," he asserted.

 

Mr. Vaz said, despite the recent passage of Hurricane Melissa, negotiations for a new JPS licence have begun and should conclude by July 2027. 

 

 

In the meantime, the Minister confirmed on Tuesday that the contract for the $150 million loan agreement between the government and the JPS has officially been signed.

 

The funds will be used to accelerate electricity restoration. 

 

Mr. Vaz said several communities in parishes worst affected by the hurricane have and will continue to receive electricity by Christmas.

 

"Clarendon, 95% of customers to be restored by Christmas; Manchester, 95% of customers to be restored by Christmas; St. Ann, 80% of customers to be restored by Christmas; Trelawny, 75% of customers to be restored by Christmas; and St. James, Elegant Corridor and surrounding communities such as Flankers, Coral Gardens and

Ironshore have been restored and we continue to build out for Christmas on other areas."

 

He added that work is also being done in other areas in western Jamaica to restore power by Christmas. Work is being undertaken in Lucea and Sandy Bay in Hanover; Black River and Treasure Beach in St. Elizabeth; and West End, Negril and Savanna-la-Mar in Westmoreland.