OUR orders JPS to reverse current bill increases in September
Light and power company won't pursue disconnections to affected customers
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Public Service (JPS) has been instructed to adjust September electricity bills to correct disproportionate increases imposed during the current billing cycle.
Energy Minister Daryl Vaz received this update in writing from the Director General of the Office of Utilities Regulations (OUR), Ansord Hewitt, who responded to the minister’s call for justice for JPS customers.
“The OUR directed JPS to take the following actions: reduce the fuel charge for the September 2024 bills by the difference in JPS’ fuel cost between July and June, and reissue bills with zero consumption that do not reflect a corresponding zero monetary value,” the OUR director general informed Minister Vaz.
Hewitt indicated that the directive effectively reverses the hefty increases currently seen.
“Please note that the directive with respect to the September bill is intended to have the same effect as what would have resulted from a reversal of the charge and reissuance of bills except that it is a less complex process and credit will show up on September bills,” he explained.
Vaz added that JPS has agreed not to pursue disconnections due to non-payment of bills up to September 15, 2024.
“The directive issued by the OUR to the JPS is a significant step in the right direction. The directive is aimed at ensuring that unjust and unfair increases are remedied in the September billing cycle. I note the OUR says the directive is tantamount to a reversal in the hefty increases via a simpler process. I will be monitoring the process closely to ensure this transpires. It is also encouraging that the JPS has indicated that it is not prepared to punish customers who have hefty bills, which are to be remedied, by way of disconnections,” Minister Vaz said.
The energy minister says he is also awaiting the results of the OUR’s investigation into the current JPS billing cycle and has urged a comprehensive yet swift completion of the probe.
The ministry says it will continue discussions with stakeholders to ensure a special audit of JPS’ billing processes, taking a keen interest in determining the terms of reference for the investigation.
