KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has described the announcement by the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) of a discount for approximately 350,000 residential customers, under the Hurricane Beryl relief programme, as a step in the right direction.

The JPS announced on Tuesday that a 20 per cent discount will be applied to the bills of customers who use 150 kWh of electricity or less for the month. This discount will be applied to current charges and will be reflected on bills that customers will start receiving in August. Active prepaid residential customers will get a one-off $1,500 top-up electricity credit on their accounts.

READ: JPS regrets recent billing experience for customers, announces relief programme

The announcement followed concerns raised by the public and Energy Minister Daryl Vaz, who on Sunday urged the electricity distributor to show compassion to Jamaicans affected by Hurricane Beryl.

READ: Vaz, JPS clash

While welcoming the announcement, JLP Deputy General Secretary Richard Creary urged the light and power company to consider what additional steps may be taken to ease burdens facing consumers of electricity.

“We also urge the Jamaica Public Service to intensify efforts to restore electricity to consumers in sections of the island, including St. Elizabeth and Clarendon in particular, where some residents remain severely affected by lack of electricity,” Creary said.

He also commended Minister Vaz for what he described as persistent lobbying to have restoration of electricity expedited and to ensure that Jamaicans are treated in a fair, just and equitable manner by utility companies.

“It is good that Minister Vaz has been clear in his messaging that the Government of Jamaica is on the side of the people and will do all within its lawful power to ensure that Jamaicans are treated fairly and the period of distress caused by Hurricane Beryl is as short as possible,” Creary said.