KINGSTON, Jamaica — People’s National Party (PNP) Spokesman on Energy, Phillip Paulwell has described as a “three-card trick”, the Government’s announced “benefit” to consumers with the adjustment of the general consumption tax (GCT) on electricity bills.

According to Paulwell, the net effect of the measure, which is now in effect, has caused confusion.

He was speaking Tuesday in the House of Representatives while making his contribution to the Sectoral Debate.

“Firstly, consumers using below 150KwH per month will now be paying GCT of seven per cent. They were granted a subsidy and rebate of 10 per cent, thereby getting a net benefit of three per cent,” Paulwell noted.

“This smacks of an electioneering ploy as no timeline was given for the duration of the subsidy and rebate,” he stated.

The former energy minister said all prepaid customers will now be burdened with GCT of seven per cent for the first time without the benefit of subsidy or rebate.

“This is an example of a three-card trick on the people,” he declared.

Meanwhile, Paulwell said a major plank of a future People’s National Party (PNP) government’s policy is to promote the rapid expansion in the deployment by individuals of renewable energy, especially using solar technology.

He said a special incentive scheme will be announced shortly, focusing on access to low-cost financing and a much simpler process to secure an energy license with a built-in attractive feed-in tariff.

“Also, a future PNP government has committed to build 50,000 houses for low-income families within five years. We will ensure that all these houses are equipped to provide energy and with additional capacity to sell electricity to the grid,” Paulwell said.