Montague wants better ESET updates

Opposition Spokesman on Mining and Energy Senator Robert Montague is calling for the Electricity Sector Enterprise Team (ESET) to provide timelines and implementation plans for projects aimed at improving the energy sector.

Montague said it was inadequate for ESET to only announce proposals.

He was reacting to the recent announcement by ESET, chaired by Dr Vincent Lawrence, that Cabinet has approved proposals from the Jamaica Public Service Company to construct a 190-megawatt gas turbine in Old Harbour, St Catherine.

Montague said while the Opposition welcomed any decision that was aimed at improving the electricity service and reducing energy costs, it has become necessary for these announcements to be accompanied by timelines and implementation plans in order to give the projects credibility, particularly in light of the recent failures to achieve planned targets.

TIRED OF ANNOUNCEMENTS

"While the Opposition commends the members of the ESET for their public service and work, we are demanding the publication of the country's Integrated Resource Plan for the energy sector, immediately," Montague said. "It is the provision of this plan that should guide the timelines of the announced projects."

He added: "The public is tired of announcements from the Government and its agencies and teams about plans and projects to improve energy efficiency and reduce costs, which fail to materialise. The situation is so bad now, that it is hard to keep track of these announcements, until we learn that the projects are either still evolving or have been abandoned for some reason or the other."

The opposition spokesman said since the announcement on February 3 at Jamaica House, there has been no update from ESET on whether it has fulfilled its commitment to send a letter to the JPS within a week, authorising it to proceed with the 190-megawatt generating plant.