JPS plans to lower electricity cost

Livern Barrett, Gleaner Writer

After months of mounting criticism about the high cost of electricity, the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS), will today outline plans to reduce energy costs.

The announcement will come at a press conference scheduled for 10 a.m. today, at the company’s head office in New Kingston.

JPS executives are also expected to discuss the company’s financial performance for 2011.

Addressing an energy forum last year, Director General of the Planning Institute of Jamaica, Dr. Gladstone Hutchinson revealed that the price of bulk electricity to Jamaican businesses averaged US$0.27 per kilowatt hour in 2008.

He said this was significantly higher than their counterparts in Trinidad and Tobago and some developed countries.

Business leaders expressed fears that the cost of electricity was threatening the viability of their operations.

The high cost of electricity also drew the ire of ordinary Jamaicans, who complained about exorbitant bills.

However, JPS Corporate Communications Officer, Audrey Williams, said the company will be unveiling concrete measures for reducing electricity costs.

radio@gleanerjm.com