Gov't and opposition call for investigation into JPS billing system

 

The governing Jamaica Labour Party is this afternoon calling for an investigation into Jamaica Public Service Company's billing system.

 

The party is also calling for a halt to the payment requirement under the current billing cycle.

 

The JPS is facing a firestorm of criticism from customers about a significant increase in their light bill for August.

 

A number of customers are disputing the amount of usage recorded on their bills and have questioned the billing system of the light and power company.

 

Amid the growing anger, the Jamaica Labour Party issued a statement on Monday afternoon, sharing the concerns raised by JPS customers.

 

The party has called for the Office of Utilities Regulation to explore the possibility of immediately instructing the JPS to halt the payment requirement under the current billing cycle and conduct a swift and thorough investigation into the apparently unjust and unfair bills being sent to customers.

 

JLP proposes that the probe be used to determine the circumstances in which estimated and actual bills dispatched to customers reflect what it calls exorbitant and burdensome increases which do not appear consistent with reported consumption/usage patterns.

 

JLP Deputy General Secretary Richard Creary has said there is need for a revisiting of the licence under which the JPS operates to ensure there is scope for tighter regulation of the company and to create a framework where customers are treated fairly and equitably.

 

According to the Deputy General Secretary, while it is important that the OUR exercises the powers currently afforded to it to hold the JPS to account, the party believes the regulatory framework concerning utility companies must be made stronger to mitigate against unfair practices by relevant entities in particular in the aftermath of a natural disaster.

 

The parliamentary opposition has also joined the JLP in calling for an investigation by the OUR into the billing system of the JPS.

 

Opposition Spokesman on Energy Phillip Paulwell says JPS should withdraw the August bill sent to its customers.

 

"It is clear that something has gone fundamentally wrong with the JPSCo billing process. I'm therefore calling upon the OUR to launch a full investigation into this billing system and to as well mandate the JPSCo to withdraw the bills pending such investigations and full report to the Jamaican people."

 

Mr. Paulwell also called for the OUR to explain the reason for the escalated fuel and IPP charges, as well as the rate of calculation of the Jamaican dollar.  

 

In addition, he urged the OUR to update the country on whether it has had any discussions with JPS about this month's billing. He also questioned  whether the government had been approached by JPS for assistance in alleviating the costs to customers.