Readers’ reactions

Winsome Callum | Why electricity bills increased — and how volatility can be fixed

The frustration is valid — timing matters, especially after a hurricane and heading into Christmas, when households and businesses are already stretched. Even if Jamaica Public Service (JPS) doesn’t directly “profit” from the increase, consumers still feel the full impact immediately, while explanations feel distant and technical. Transparency is key. People deserve clear, plain-language answers about what drove the increase, how long it will last, and what protections exist for vulnerable customers. If volatility is unavoidable, then stronger communication, better efficiency, and visible efforts to cushion the blow must come with it — otherwise trust erodes, regardless of who benefits on paper. A rate adjustment may be defensible economically, but public acceptance depends on fairness, timing, and accountability. – Jahein Black

The amount of money I’m paying for gas I’m not complaining about the seven percent just please hurry up and give me back light. – Althea Faith Purpose Hope

Then Miss according to your report JPS does not get any benefit from the price increase so my question to you ma’am so who is getting the benefit? Surely not the customers. – Joan Genus

How you mean JPS doesn’t benefit! Not getting it. – Jennifer Smart

I see chubble on the horizon. – @reblemusikgroup

How to fix your bill: Go solar. – @shanizziemo.mo

Sorry folks they say you have to speculate to accumulate and anyone that can afford to install solar this is now the time, My average monthly use is above 700KWH and with solar I only use from JPS an average of under 100KWH so my bill drop from over $80,000 to under $4,000. So if we all use the sun to power our homes JPS would have to reduce their prices to be able to compete with the sun. – Louis Harper

No bonus plus high electricity bills = torture! – @quintit47

It matters not how they want to spin it, an increase at this time is without conscience, KMT. – @hey_itsladykhutchinson

I was out of light for the billing period and they send an estimated bill similar to my normal bill. So yes, you may receive a bill from these ppl SMH. – @_oshey

My sister bill go from 3800 to 12k. How that work? How is that seven per cent? Smaddy explain plz. – @antisocially_pessimistic

OUR needs to go. – @shawnny700

Readers’ reactions sourced from The Gleaner’s Facebook and Instagram pages. Compiled by Khanique McDaniel.