PwC starts audit of new JPS meters

Following complaints by several Jamaica Public Service Company Ltd (JPS) customers of unusual increases in their electricity bill after the installation of the new digital meters, the company has contracted PwC to conduct an audit of its meter-replacement programme.

According to a press release from JPS, the audit, which began yesterday, will seek to review the procedures used for installing and maintaining the new meters to determine if they were in keeping with international best practices.

The auditing firm will also seek to review the meter certification and testing procedures, as well as compare the trends in kilowatt-hour consumption for customers with replaced meters, for the period before and after the meter replacement.

Additionally, PwC will examine the rationale for adjustments, where changes were done after meters were replaced; select and investigate a sample of complaints relating to the new meters; as well as review post-installation quality management and monitoring practices.

The company is expected to complete its audit by early October, the findings of which will be made public, JPS stated.