KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Dr Nigel Clarke, says that the Government of Jamaica (GOJ) Energy Co-Pay Programme is now effective and will be reflected in customers’ monthly Jamaica Public Service (JPS) bills, starting in May 2022 for four months.

Under the terms of a Memorandum of Understanding between the GOJ and the JPS signed this week, the Government will pay a portion of the residential electricity bills for JPS customers who consume 200 kWh of electricity or less per month, over the four-month period of April 2022 to July 2022.

Clarke first announced the programme during his closing budget presentation in March of this year, where he highlighted the Government’s commitment to cushion the impact of higher electricity prices, directly caused by higher global oil prices, on the most vulnerable in society.

The Energy Co-Pay Programme is estimated to cost the Government $2.0 billion, and to directly benefit 379,000 households.

In a statement, Clarke noted, “The overwhelming majority of households in Jamaica consuming less than 200 kWh, consist of hardworking people on smaller incomes, and we are concerned that they are more adversely affected by the higher energy prices. This programme, similar to all our social assistance programmes and policies, is therefore designed to prioritise and target their needs. We thank JPS for their support in this implementation.”

This benefit for qualifying customers is automatic and does not require applying. For further information on the programme or qualifying terms for prepaid customers, please contact JPS Customer Care.