Dear Editor,

Last year, much public debate was generated about the digital meters that were being installed by the National Water Commission and the Jamaica Public Service Company. Many customers expressed dissatisfaction at seeing increases – often drastic – in their monthly bill after the installation of these meters. The increase was obvious in spite of conservation methods being practised by consumers.

Subsequently, the Bureau of Standards tested and passed these meters. However, despite this reassurance by the BSJ, the disquiet of many customers has continued unabatedly – and rightly so.

Jamaica is not known for robust consumer affairs rights and advocacy and our utility companies are aware of this. With this knowledge and given our cultural uniqueness for not being proactive as consumers, our utility companies seem to play upon the fact that after a few days of intense discourse it will be business as usual soon.

However, a few questions need answers:

* What is the status regarding the installation of the digital meters?

* Why is it that some customers seem to have had a choice while others had none regarding the installation of these meters?

* Were customers pre-screened to identify which ones would be given these meters?

* Have both the NWC and JPS discontinued the installation of these meters?

* If there has been a discontinuation of this practice of digital meter installation, what will happen to those customers who did not get new meters?

* Is it possible for customers who received these new meters to ask that the digital meters be replaced by their old meters?

We need some clarity on this issue by both utility companies.

Wayne Campbell

waykam@yahoo.com