JPS cuts automatic disconnection, introduces late fee
Daraine Luton, Senior Staff Reporter
The Jamaica Public Service (JPS) will no longer automatically disconnect customers who miss their bill payment date by up to a week, but will slap those customers with a late fine of $250.
After a month without clearing their arrears however, they will be disconnected.
In making the announcement in the House of Representatives today, energy minister Phillip Paulwell said the change has resulted from negotiations with the light and power company.
He said the change is expected to take effect come July 1.
In the meantime, Paulwell told the House that the JPS has agreed to offer a $250 discount as an incentive to customers who pay their bills before the due date.
"This will help the company improve its collections, and will allow those of us who like to be early to derive some benefits for being proactive," Paulwell said.
Paulwell also announced the reduction of electricity rates which will benefit the manufacturing and productive sectors.
The rate reduction relates to wholesale rates, which will apply to the top 20 per cent of industrial customers and represents a 25 per cent discount on the none-fuel tariff.
"The JPS has agreed to adjust the time-of-use discount they offer commercial and industrial customers for their off-peak usage. These measures will greatly ease the burden on the production and manufacturing sectors," Paulwell said.
But Gregory Mair, the opposition spokesman on energy, while welcoming the announcement, noted that non-fuel charge is approximately 40 per cent of the cost. He argued that the savings to the consumers would be only 10 per cent.”