Dear Claudienne,

I would like to request the JPS to do an investigation into their bills for the account at my Kingston 11 address, as I suspect that they are not accurate.

A solar system was installed at my premises around October 2023 and as was expected, there was a reduction in the bills shortly thereafter. However, I have noticed a constant increase in the bills since April 2024, even though the solar system is still functional and the usage pattern has not changed. In fact, the last bill was in the same range as the bills before the installation of the solar system.

On July 4, 2024 I wrote the JPS and on 07/09/2024 the company responded as follows:

“We understand your concerns regarding your charges. We are able to confirm that we witnessed an increase in your usage for the current usage period.We note your concerns with regards to the charges for energy usage on your account, along with your statements that you have a solar system installed at your location. This alternative source of energy at your premises may cause the usage registered at the meter to be skewed or diverted.

In light of the above, we recommend that you liaise with the Ministry of Science, Energy and Technology in order to meet the respective protocol for your energy usage to be represented precisely. Kindly visit the following webpage for your perusal:
https://www.mset.gov.jm/document-category/net-billing/. You may contact them at
info@mset.gov.jm.”

I am seeking your assistance in getting some plausible explanation from the JPS. I am also not sure why it is being recommended that I liaise with MSET (I however had reached out to them, but have not received a response to date). In fact, the last bill I got that is due in August is more than what I was paying before the installation of the solar system. Looking forward to your feedback on this issue.

CJ

Dear CJ

Tell Claudienne has been in communication with Winsome Callum, the director of corporate communications at the JPS, in regard to your concerns.

An email the JPS sent to
Tell Claudienne on September 16, 2024 stated the following:

“This requires an investigation. We have found that in some cases the customer’s solar installation is not properly done, and this results in the electricity from the solar panels flowing through the meter, causing the meter to record this as energy consumed. However, that can only be determined by an investigation.

The reference to MSETT is due to the fact that the ministry is responsible for issuing the licences for self-generation and net billing. These installations also have to be passed by the Government Electrical Regulator, which resides in the MSETT.

I am not in office this week, but will forward the matter to the operations team for review. We will let you know if any additional information is required from you or the customer to facilitate the review.”

Tell Claudienne notes that you have noticed a reduction in your electricity bills.

We wish you all the best.

Have a problem with a store, utility, a company? Telephone 876- 936-9436 or CELL/whatsapp # 876-484-1349 or write to: Tell Claudienne c/o Sunday Finance, Jamaica Observer, 40-42 1/2 Beechwood Avenue, Kingston 5; or e-mail: edwardsc@jamaicaobserver.com. Please include a contact phone number.