Special audit and investigation of JPS billing system to be conducted

Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport,  Daryl Vaz, says a special audit and investigation of the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) billing system is to be conducted.

He made the announcement during a special semi-virtual press conference at the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica (PCJ) in New Kingston on Wednesday to address concerns regarding the current JPS billing cycle and post-Hurricane Beryl electricity restoration efforts, as well as regulatory efforts by the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR).

Vaz said the audit is intended to inform solutions to long-standing issues and complaints regarding JPS’s billing system.

He called into question the utility provider’s recent publishing of bills for customers who have been without electricity since the hurricane’s passage on July 3.

“I have made it clear to the JPS that it cannot be business as usual, and the major spike in the bills is simply untenable. The Government of Jamaica is sensitive to the challenges being faced by thousands of Jamaicans, 3,500 as of yesterday, [whose service has] still not been restored and for those who have been sent bills during the current billing cycle, which are burdensome,” he stated.

Regarding the current billing cycle, Vaz said the Government has been in active discussions with the JPS about addressing what he described as “the unfair and unjust bills” sent to customers.

“A separate issue that must also be addressed is the ongoing practice of issuing estimated bills to consumers who have been without electricity since Beryl. The utility provider should have compassion and the capacity to isolate these customers during this unfortunate and prolonged inconvenience,” he further stated.

Vaz maintained that “it compounds the discomfort and inconvenience of these customers and adds to their many challenges to have them concerned with exorbitant bills, irrespective of what the regulation of the existing licence allows”.

“Based on the circumstances, the Government has been left with no choice but to pursue a special audit and investigation into JPS bills published in the aftermath of the hurricane. I will make this position known formally to the Government-appointed members of the Board and ensure that the facts are unearthed and presented to the public upon completion,” Vaz informed.

- JIS News

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