KINGSTON, Jamaica — Opposition Spokesman on Energy, Phillip Paulwell has accused the Government of dragging its feet regarding talks about a new licence for the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPSCo).

“We (the Opposition) are very concerned that as the year 2027 approaches with the termination of the JPS licence, no negotiation has commenced. I fear that come 2027, at the pace at which this government operates, there will be no new arrangements in place as we hobble along,” Paulwell said.

He was speaking Tuesday during his contribution to the Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives.

Paulwell, who served as energy minister in previous People’s National Party governments, outlined what he would do if he were the minister today.

“I would have in place today a negotiating team, already engaging JPSCo and seeking to use this emerging reality as leverage to secure some of the changes that should occur from now.

“Already, there are two areas that I would seek to clarify with JPSCo and commence implementation immediately,” said Paulwell.

He told the House that he would focus on a regime for charging ports/stations for electric vehicles that is fully competitive. He would ensure incentives for these to be established using renewable sources of energy.

Secondly, Paulwell said he would enable enterprises that are established within Special Economic Zones to generate and distribute electricity within the zones.

“This will lead to rapid growth in this area, which is hampered by the high cost of electricity. And, of course, we will encourage that renewables be the source of energy for these zones,” said the Opposition spokesman.

As to what he would be saying to JPSCO if he were the minister?

“Don’t fear competition; competition will always lead to growth in a given market, so embrace it. Electricity transmission and distribution is no longer regarded as a pure monopoly. Don’t be caught flat-footed as was the case in 2001 when another monopolist had to be forcibly awakened from its slumber. If adjustments aren’t made now then you will be left behind,” he said.

His reference to the 2001 monopolist is in relation to Cable and Wireless which was the dominant player until Digicel entered the Jamaican and regional markets, becoming the dominant player since then.