Gov't vows to hold JPS to commitment to reduce September light bills

By Clinton McGregor    

 

The government says it will be holding the Jamaica Public Service Company to its commitment to reduce electricity bills of its customers this month.

 

Following outcry over the significant increases in the light bills sent to JPS customers last month, Energy Minister Daryl Vaz said an investigation would be launched into the billing system of the light and power company.

 

Speaking Monday, Minister Vaz reminded that consumers should see a reduction in their bills this month.

 

"After discussions with the president of JPS this morning, he advised me that bills were going out, starting today, for the September bill cycle and confirmed to me that significant reductions should be seen as per the instruction of the OUR and of course the advocacy of the government, through me as Minister of Energy," he said, adding that he is expecting customers "will be much happier this month than last month". 

 

The government and parliamentary opposition had called for the Office of Utilities Regulation to investigate the billing system of the JPS after customers in St. Elizabeth, who had been without power due to Hurricane Beryl, were sent electricity bills.

 

Other customers also saw significant increases in their bills which JPS said was attributable to a higher cost of fuel and the devaluation of the Jamaican dollar.

 

There was also a call for JPS to withdraw the August bill sent to customers who had been without power during the billing period.