Dear Claudienne,

I received a very high bill from the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS Co) on the 1st of April, 2023 for the period of 22nd February to 25th March, 2023 totalling $302,443.32 for my account #132xxxx. This was cited as the cost for actual meter readings for the period.

When I contacted JPS and queried the reason for this high bill, their response was that the bill was the actual reading following the previous bill which was an estimated bill.

They said that their technicians had investigated and had returned and said that they have not detected any abnormalities and that I should have my electrician do checks. I have interpreted this to mean that they have no intention to rectify or amend this bill.

I got an electrician to carry out an electrical assessment and his report showed that there was no unusual consumption and that all was okay in the house.

I acknowledge that the previous bill was estimated. However, all but one bill from September 2022 up to February 2023 has been based on actual readings which I have attached. Those actual readings have been no more than approximately 300kWh per month.

Now it is saying on the March bill that energy usage is 4233.55 kWh. It is impossible for this to be the case for a small two-bedroom home. Currently, they have disconnected the electricity and my house is now without power.

I have reported the matter to CAC and OUR. To date only CAC has responded, stating that they are investigating it.

Your assistance in this matter will be appreciated.

RW

Dear RW,

The JPS has informed Tell Claudienne that your meter is functioning properly.

The JPS told the column the following:

“While the 4233 kWh is high, all our checks are confirming that the amount was used. We did an investigation, and found that the meter is functioning correctly. All meter readings are also confirming the reading taken in March 2022.”

The reading on June 13, 2023 also validated the previous readings.

The JPS graph depicted your usage of electricity from February 1, 2023 to April 1, 2023 to be relatively flat when 9.97kWh was used.

However, the daily kWh usage continued to increase from 9.97 kwh on February 5, 2023 to 235kwh on March 4, 2023.

“There was some activity at the premises that accounts for the increased usage during this period. The property may have been used as an airBnB or work was conducted that needed high electricity tools. This is speculation, but what we are certain about is that the usage is correct and the meter is functioning correctly,” the JPS stated.

On June 21, 2024 the JPS informed Tell Claudienne as follows:

“A payment arrangement has been in place with RW since January 2024 to address the outstanding balance on the account. The customer has an active account with electricity service. We therefore consider this matter resolved with no further action required at this time.”

We wish you all the best.

Have a problem with a store, utility, a company? Telephone 876 936-9436 or Cell/whatsap # 876-484-1349 or write to: Tell Claudienne c/o Sunday Finance, Jamaica Observer, 40-421/2 Beechwood Avenue, Kingston 5; or e-mail: edwardsc@jamaicaobserver.com. Please include a contact phone number.