JPS customers to get lighter bills this month
Published:Tuesday | September 10, 2024 | 12:10 AMGareth Davis Sr/Gleaner Writer
Jamaica Public Service (JPS) customers should see a reduction in their electricity bills for this month after the light and power company slashed fuel charges by a third to comply with directives from the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR).
The regulator had issued the directives to remedy the disproportionate increases that were imposed on customers in the August billing cycle after the passage of Hurricane Beryl in July sparking national outcry.
The OUR last month directed JPS to reduce the fuel charge for the September bills by the difference in the JPS’ fuel cost in July over June, and that bills with zero consumption that do not show a corresponding zero money value should be reissued.
In a letter to its customers, the JPS said: “We are happy to share that your bill this month will show a 34% reduction in the fuel charge. This reduction will positively impact your electricity bill for September 2024.”
The power company pointed out that the fuel charge constitutes a significant part of a customer’s bill and varies monthly based on factors such as the types of fuel used to generate electricity and the overall demand during the billing period.
The letter also stated that following the disruptions caused by Hurricane Beryl and the subsequent stabilisation of fuel variables, the fuel charge has moved from J$32.17 in the August billing cycle to J$21.30 for the September bills.
On Monday, Energy Minister Daryl Vaz told The Gleaner that the reduction was confirmed earlier in the day during discussions he had with JPS President Hugh Grant. He described it as a welcome move.
“He (Grant) confirmed that significant reductions should be seen, aligning with the OUR’s instructions and the Government’s advocacy. I am hopeful that this month’s results will bring much greater satisfaction to our citizens compared to the previous month,” Vaz said.
“As the September billing cycle progresses, the Government will continue to monitor the situation closely and ensure that JPS adheres to the prescribed adjustments,” he added.