MINISTER with responsibility for energy Daryl Vaz has defended the Administration’s handling of the energy sector in the wake of claims by the Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) that the Government is to be blamed for the high electricity prices Jamaicans now face.

Making his presentation to the 2025/26 Budget Debate last week, Opposition spokesman on finance Julian Robinson slammed the Government over its energy policy as he pointed out that the cost of electricity in Jamaica is more than US$0.40 per kilowatt hour (kWh), while it was as low as US$0.22/kWh during the last PNP Administration.

That theme was continued by Opposition Leader Mark Golding during his presentation to the budget debate on Tuesday as he charged that the Andrew Holness Administration had dropped the ball as it failed to issue regular request for proposals (RFPs) for additional renewable energy for years which could have resulted in lower electricity prices for Jamaicans.

But during a mid-morning media briefing on Tuesday Vaz scoffed at the PNP’s claim that the high cost of electricity was due to Government’s inability to develop a sustainable renewable energy framework.

Vaz listed a multiplicity of factors he said caused the delay, rejected the narrative that little progress has been made in the renewable energy sector, and described the Opposition’s claims as “disingenuous and misleading”.

According to Vaz, measurable achievements and strategic investments in renewables underscore the Government’s commitment to achieving an evidence-based, sustainable, and affordable resilient energy future for Jamaica.

“Data clearly refutes claims of inaction and demonstrates a consistent, structured approach to energy diversification and transformation. The increase in electricity prices between 2016 and 2024 was not due to a lack of renewable energy deployment but rather global scenarios linked to fossil fuel volatility, inflation, supply chain disruptions and geopolitical issues.

“The Government’s renewable energy expansion remains on track, ensuring long-term energy affordability and security for Jamaica. More renewables are coming but at the right time and in the right way as we continue to lower the cost for all our citizens. Together we are building a cleaner and more secure energy future for Jamaica,” Vaz said.

He argued that detractors are spreading propaganda because the island is now in the “silly season” with a general election near.

“This is something that is ongoing and it is not specific to my ministry or to energy but there is just a lot of misconceptions, misleading, and disingenuous information. What I can say specifically is that I encourage all well-thinking Jamaicans to get the facts and most importantly judge the policies and performance of those who are putting themselves forward in the upcoming election,” Vaz said.

“We are not perfect, but definitively we have a lot of runs on the board and our job will be to make sure and put those out in the public domain so people can examine and make informed decisions,” added Vaz.

The energy minister said significant progress has been made in expanding the energy portfolio, guided by a robust policy framework and strategic investments.

He said several factors, including surging fossil fuel prices, the Russia-Ukraine war, and global supply chain disruptions have contributed to the high price for electricity.

Vaz argued that while renewable energy technology costs have declined over time, the transition from fossil fuels must be a planned, orderly and well-timed process.