The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) is calling on the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) to immediately roll-back the major increases in electricity bills which have been sent to customers during the current billing cycle.

In a release on Tuesday, the party says it takes note of a statement by JPS on Monday evening which cited a temporary increase in its cost of fuel as the reason why major increases have been applied to electricity bills in the current cycle.

The party says it does not support the decision by the light and power company to attempt to pass on to customers the reported temporary increase in fuel costs allegedly caused by its use of Automotive Diesel Oil (ADO) in the lead up to Hurricane Beryl.

“In the circumstances of a natural disaster, we are of the view that it is unconscionable and unacceptable to impose such onerous additional costs on the people of Jamaica. Enough is enough,” commented Jamaica Labour Party spokesperson, Kerensia Morrison in the release to the media.

Morrison, who is also the Member of Parliament for North East St Catherine, says reports that the JPS has applied the objectionable increases to some customers who have not had electricity for several weeks is particularly disturbing.

The JLP spokesperson says the party support efforts by Energy Minister Daryl Vaz on behalf of the Government to get the Office of the Utilites Regulation (OUR) to hold the JPS to account for the questionable major increases in electricity bills.

“We also support calls for legislative amendment to increase the scope for utility companies in Jamaica to be held to greater account. However, in the mean time we strongly urge the JPS to exercise good conscience and immediately roll-back these announced increases,” Morrison said.