The dramatic and sustained increases in oil prices over the past year have resulted in continuous and significant increases in the cost of electricity to Jamaican consumers.  The recently announced settlement between the JPS and the unions regarding reclassification of employees retroactive to 2001, costing over J$2 Billion is likely to result in further increases in the price of electricity to consumers. 

Opposition Spokesman on Energy, Michael Peart is calling on the Minister of Mining, Energy and Telecommunications, The Hon. Clive Mullings to ensure that the effect of this significant settlement on the price of electricity is minimized and that JPS is not allowed to recover the full cost of the settlement in the short term.  

Mr. Peart said, "The Minister through the Office of Utilities Regulation needs to ensure that these costs are not passed on to the consumers, who are already burdened with escalating food and fuel costs."

The Opposition eagerly awaits the Government's Energy Policy which is now due in June of 2008.  In the interim we ask the Government through its relevant departments or agencies to begin a mass campaign targeting households, corporate Jamaica and indeed government facilities which will present options for energy conservation.

May 08, 2008. 

Contact:
Michael Peart
Opposition Spokesperson for Energy
(876) 978-1337
Email: