KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) is calling on the Office of Utilities Regulations (OUR) to immediately instruct the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) Company to halt the payment requirement under the current billing cycle and conduct a swift and thorough investigation into the “unjust” bills being sent to customers.

The call follows complaints from several Jamaicans regarding what has been described as an unusual and major spike in electricity bills for the current billing cycle.

Just yesterday, Energy Minister Daryl Vaz noted the complaints stating that he will formally write to the regulatory body requesting that an investigation be done.

READ: Vaz requests probe into JPS electricity bill spike

In a statement on Monday, the JLP proposed that the probe be used to determine the circumstances in which estimated and actual bills dispatched to customers reflect exorbitant and burdensome increases which do not appear consistent with reported consumption/usage patterns.

Further, JLP Deputy General Secretary, Richard Creary said the need exists for a revisiting of the licence under which the JPS operates to ensure there is scope for tighter regulation of the company and to create a framework where customers are treated in a fair and equitable manner.

“We welcome the stridency of Energy Minister Daryl Vaz who has been vocal in defending the interest of the people of Jamaica and seeking to ensure that the JPS is held to account. However, the Jamaica Labour Party is of the view that the time has come for an adjustment to the regulatory framework which governs utilities in Jamaica,” Creary said.

The deputy general secretary said that while it is important that the OUR exercises the powers currently afforded to it to hold the JPS to account, the party is of the view that the regulatory framework concerning utility companies must be made stronger to mitigate against unfair practices by relevant entities in particular in the aftermath of a natural disaster.

“The OUR should also assure Jamaicans that people who have been sent clearly unfair and exorbitant bills, with a payment deadline, will not face the indignity of having their electricity disconnected whilst the regulatory entity conducts its investigation into the multiple serious issues which have been raised in the public domain,” Creary said.