Get your facts together, Mr McDonald

THE EDITOR, Madam:

The casual misrepresentation of facts by Norris McDonald in his article in The Gleaner of Wednesday, July 26, is very disturbing.

Mr McDonald states that Abu Dhabi National Energy Company is part owner of JPS. This is not so. Abu Dhabi sold their shares in JPS more than a decade ago. A cursory glance at the JPS website or an annual report would have provided Mr McDonald with information on the ownership of JPS: Marubeni – a Japanese multinational trading and investment company; East West Power Company – a South Korean state-owned company; the Government of Jamaica; and a number of small shareholders.

This glaring piece of misleading information from Mr McDonald raises questions about the quality of the rest of the content in his article.

We agree that the problem of high electricity costs must be addressed urgently – by all stakeholders, including the Government and JPS. Mr McDonald’s suggestion that JPS is “price-gouging” is inappropriate and misleading, as JPS is a highly regulated entity and does not set its own rates. Rates are set by the Office of Utilities Regulation, and the process takes into consideration a number of factors, including capital investment in generation capacity and the grid.

Fuel costs, which are largely outside the control of JPS, account for most of what customers pay for electricity. A more informed, objective conversation around fuel diversification would be beneficial to all.

JPS continues to invest, on average, US$80 million each year to modernise the grid, including the incorporation of renewables to help lower electricity costs and support Jamaica’s energy security. The company remains a critical partner in the implementation of Jamaica’s National Energy Policy, building on its leading role in Jamaica’s electrification journey. Its over 1,200 dedicated team members remain steadfast in our commitment to serve the people of Jamaica and power national development.

WINSOME CALLUM

Director, Corporate

Communications – JPS