KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a pivotal move to protect consumers, the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) has mandated the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) to rectify disproportionate increases observed in the September electricity bills. The directive comes following a formal request for intervention by Energy Minister Daryl Vaz, demanding justice for the affected JPS customers.
In a letter addressed to Minister Vaz, OUR Director General Ansord Hewitt outlined the actions that JPS is required to undertake. “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,” Hewitt wrote.
Hewitt assured that this measure effectively nullifies the steep increases currently being felt by consumers. “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,” Hewitt explained.
Echoing the regulatory body’s decision, Minister Vaz commended the directive as a significant measure to ensure consumer justice. “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,” Vaz stated.
Further easing customer concerns, JPS has committed not to pursue disconnections for non-payment of bills up until September 15, 2024. This decision aligns with the efforts to ensure no customer is unduly penalized while the billing adjustments are being made.
Minister Vaz also highlighted the ongoing investigation by the OUR into the JPS billing cycle. He has called for a thorough yet swift completion of the probe and emphasized the importance of having a clear and comprehensive audit of JPS’ billing processes.
The Ministry of Energy remains actively engaged in discussions with various stakeholders to oversee a special audit of the utility provider’s practices. This ensures transparency and fairness, aiming to establish precise terms of reference for the ongoing investigation.
As the authorities work towards resolving these billing discrepancies, affected JPS customers can expect to see rectified charges and appropriate credits on their September bills, safeguarding their interests and contributing to a fairer utility billing system in Jamaica.
