Reduced GCT on light bills set for May 1

Some JPS customers will be paying less on light bills as the General Consumption Tax (GCT) is to be slashed from 12 per cent to 7 per cent starting May 1.

Minister of Finance and the Public Service Fayval Williams made the announcement in Parliament on Tuesday while opening the 2025-2026 Budget debate.

She says post-paid customers are to also expect a refund of seven per cent and a three per cent subsidy "for a total of ten per cent" if they consume 250 kilowatt of electricity or less.

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness first announced at the Jamaica Labour Party's annual conference last November that his Government would cut the rate of GCT on electricity from 15 per cent to seven per cent.

In 2022, it was reported that taxes currently make up 16 per cent of the electricity bill for an average Jamaican household.

There have been calls from various stakeholders, including the Jamaica Public Service Company Limited for the GCT to be removed or reduced.

- Livern Barrett

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