Energy and Technology Minister Dr. Andrew Wheatley - file photo
Energy Minister Dr. Andrew Wheatley says the government is still pushing for lower electricity costs, in spite of the recent increase granted to the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS).
The JPS was granted a 2.6 per cent rate increase by the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) after a tariff review. The increase takes effect next month.
Appearing on the JIS programme, Issues and Answers on Sunday, Dr. Wheatley was asked for an update on the government's plans. He said the government is keen on energy and efficiency conservation.
"In fact," he said, "we had a meeting with the Clinton Foundation who will be assisting us with some energy efficiency conservation processes. Jamaica House will be fitted with solar panels very soon, so that the Office of the Prime Minister will come off the grid."
He said this is part of a general thrust by government to ensure that they are more aware of the environment and that they use more energy efficient methods to get cheaper energy on the grid.
Gov't websites free to access
And Dr. Andrew Wheatley, who is also the Technology Minister has said the public can now access all government websites free of cost.
This follows his announcement in Parliament last month that persons were, at that time, able to access 30 websites.
Speaking on Issues and Answers, Dr. Wheatley said access is being phased in.
He said, currently, persons can freely use up to 50 zero rated websites.
Dr. Wheatley outlined that the initiative will especially benefit children, who will now be able to access these sites and other educational material on tablets provided by the government.
"(They) are now able to access the educational material from home, whether their parents are in possession of a data plan or an internet plan. What you have to have is just a mere connection to a network. So, a smartphone, connected to a network, can act as a mobile hotspot for the tablet," he explained.
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