KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has expressed support for the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) announcement of discounts for approximately 350,000 residential customers as part of its relief efforts following Hurricane Beryl.
JPS revealed on Tuesday that it will provide a 20 percent discount on electricity bills for customers using 150 kWh or less per month. This discount will be applied to current rates and reflected in the bills issued starting in August. Additionally, residential customers on prepaid plans will receive a one-time $1,500 energy bill credit.
This relief announcement comes after public concerns and a call from Energy Minister Daryl Vass on Sunday, urging electricity providers to show compassion toward Jamaicans affected by the hurricane.
JLP Deputy Secretary-General Richard Creeley praised the discount initiative but urged JPS to explore further measures to alleviate the financial burden on electricity consumers. “We also call on the Jamaica Public Service to intensify efforts to restore power to areas severely impacted by the outage, including St. Elizabeth and Clarendon,” Creeley stated.
Creeley also commended Minister Vaz for his dedicated efforts to expedite power restoration and advocate for fair treatment of Jamaicans by the utility company. “It is reassuring to see that Minister Vaz has clearly communicated the Government of Jamaica’s commitment to supporting its people and minimizing the hardships caused by Hurricane Beryl,” Creeley added.
