Energy Minister, Daryl Vaz, is taking swift action in response to a surge of complaints from Jamaica Public Service (JPS) customers regarding unexpectedly high electricity bills.
Vaz has said he will formally request on Monday that the Office of Utilities Regulations (OUR) launch an investigation into the matter, and will also demand an explanation from JPS.
“I’ve been bombarded by complaints from Jamaicans from all walks of life,” said Vaz in relation to the spike in JPS electricity bills.
“I will also be sending correspondence to JPS insisting on an investigation into this development and an explanation.”
The minister emphasised his commitment to ensuring fair treatment for JPS customers, saying, “I will insist that customers of the JPS be treated in a fair and just manner.
“The widespread reports of a major spike in bills presents an opportunity for us to once and for all deal with longstanding complaints about the JPS’ billing cycle,” declared Vaz.
Notably, some customers who were without power for an extended period due to Hurricane Beryl have also received significantly higher bills, further highlighting the need for an investigation.
Vaz urged OUR, the regulatory body, to promptly assist the government in ensuring just and fair treatment of the Jamaican people, deeming the billing spike “unacceptable.”
JPS has been under fire for their efforts at restoring power to Jamaicans since the passage of Hurricane Beryl on July 3.
Some 10,000 customers in St Elizabeth are still without electrical supply, while some Members of Parliament (MPs) from other parishes least affected by the storm have been also complaining that some communities remain in the darkness.
