Government to set up energy council

Jerome Reynolds, Gleaner Writer

The Energy Minister, Phillip Paulwell, is moving to establish a National Energy Council as the Government looks at ways to reduce Jamaica’s energy bill.

Jamaicans currently pay the highest in the region for electricity at US$0.40 per kilowatt hour.

Addressing an American Chamber of Commerce Energy Forum, Paulwell said this has placed a stranglehold on the country and the government is determined to break it.

He said the Government will be seeking the input of a wide cross section of groups in looking at the options to diversify Jamaica’s energy mix.

The energy minister said he has submitted a proposal to the Cabinet, to set up an Energy Council as a broad-based consultative entity, with representation from key stakeholders.

Liquefied Natural Gas and coal are among the options being looked at by the Government to drive down energy costs.

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