Dear Editor,

On May 2, 2023 it was announced that the National Water Commission (NWC) has been granted a 5.1 per cent yearly rate adjustment. This means that, despite the numerous issues with water supply around the country, consumers’ April/May bills will rise.

The Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) is the regulatory body responsible for ensuring that utility companies operating in Jamaica provide efficient and reliable services to the people; however, in recent years, the OUR has been widely criticised for failing to adequately protect the interests of Jamaican consumers.

Two of the primary areas in which the OUR has failed the Jamaican people are in the regulation of electricity and water supply. Despite the fact that Jamaica has one of the highest electricity and water rates in the world, the OUR has not done enough to ensure that consumers are getting value for their money. The agency has been slow to approve renewable energy projects which could help to reduce the country’s dependence on expensive fossil fuels. Additionally, the OUR has not been effective in regulating the prices charged by the country’s electricity providers and the NWC, leading to high bills for consumers.

Another area in which the OUR has failed Jamaican consumers is in the regulation of telecommunications companies. Despite the fact that Jamaica has a competitive telecommunications market, the OUR has not done enough to ensure that consumers are getting the best possible deals. The agency has failed to adequately regulate the prices charged by the country’s telecommunications companies, leading to high bills for consumers. Additionally, the OUR has been slow to respond to complaints about poor service quality, which has resulted in frustration and dissatisfaction among consumers.

The OUR has also been criticised for its lack of transparency and accountability and has been accused of being too close to the utility companies it is supposed to regulate. Additionally, the OUR has not done enough to engage with consumers and other stakeholders, which has limited the agency’s ability to understand and address their many concerns.

The OUR has failed the Jamaican people in a number of ways. The agency has not adequately regulated the prices charged by electricity, water, and telecommunications companies, leading to high bills for consumers. Additionally, the OUR has been slow to respond to the many complaints about poor service quality and has not done enough to promote renewable energy projects. Finally, the agency has been criticised for its lack of transparency and accountability. Until these issues are addressed, the OUR will continue to fail in its mission to protect the interests of Jamaican consumers and consumers will continue to suffer and be bombarded with high monthly bills.

While we understand the many constraints faced by service providers and that the US dollar may play a role in bill increases, these companies must find mechanisms and strategies to combat the increase in US dollars rather than passing on the cost to consumers who are already struggling to make ends meet. These companies are making millions of dollars in profit each year and have become very comfortable because there is no real competition and the OUR seems to be their best friend.

Nickoy Brown

nickoyb@yahoo.com