KINGSTON, Jamaica — Philip Paulwell, the opposition spokesman on energy and climate change, expressed relief over the Jamaica Public Service Company’s (JPS) response to his request for tariff discounts following the disruptions caused by Hurricane Beryl.
Paulwell had criticized JPS on July 19 for issuing estimated bills, which he argued unfairly burdened customers facing power outages. He called for a reversal of this decision and urged the utility company to provide substantial discounts to alleviate the financial strain on affected consumers.
On Tuesday, JPS announced it would apply a 20 percent discount to the bills of customers who use 150 kWh or less of electricity per month. This discount will be reflected in the bills issued starting in August. Additionally, residential customers on prepaid plans will receive a one-time $1,500 energy bill credit. JPS has also suspended electricity disconnections for non-payment until August 15, 2024, and is offering flexible payment options for those needing extensions.
“We are pleased that JPS has responded to our calls and taken these steps,” Paulwell said in a media release. “The decision to offer discounts and additional relief shows JPS’s understanding of its role in alleviating financial pressures during this recovery period. While we would have preferred a more substantial discount, we appreciate this gesture and hope for further assistance in the coming weeks to help Jamaicans return to normalcy after Hurricane Beryl.”
Paulwell also commended JPS for proposing a review to the Office of Public Utilities Regulatory Services (OUR) regarding the calculation of estimated bills for customers affected by prolonged power outages. “If necessary to prevent unjustified pro forma invoices, we welcome this review, provided it ensures fairness and transparency in billing practices. We urge the OUR to address this issue urgently,” he added.
The People’s National Party (PNP) representative reaffirmed his commitment to policies that prioritize Jamaican citizens’ welfare. “Utility companies must have resilient systems to provide uninterrupted and accurate service, especially during natural disasters,” Paulwell said. “We will continue to hold these entities accountable and ensure the needs of our citizens are met.”
