Likely electricity hike

Consumers of the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) could be faced with a 25 to 35 percent increase in electricity bills if the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) grants a request for an adjustment in the company’s existing tariff structure.



The JPS submitted its request to the OUR on Monday.



The Gleaner Power 106 News has learnt that small residential customers could see an increase of between 5 and 6 percent, while bills for large commercial customers could go as high as 30 percent.



Neither the JPS nor the OUR was willing to confirm the information.



The JPS had submitted its application under a confidentiality cover which prevents the OUR from beginning its review of the application.



Director of Consumer and Public Affairs at the OUR, David Geddes said the regulatory body will be looking at several factors including the company’s projected expenditures and revenues in arriving at its decision.



The OUR has scheduled a series of public consultations to get the views of citizens on a proposed light bill increase.



The OUR said it will provide the public with additional information on the application as soon as the JPS waives a confidentiality clause.



The first consultation will be held in Portland at the Old Marina in Port Antonio on April 15.



The second is slated for April 21 at the Civic Centre in Sam Sharpe Square, Montego Bay, St. James.



The following day, the consultation moves to the Ridgemount United Church Hall in Mandeville before the final one on April 28, at the PCJ Auditorium in Kingston.



The meetings begin at 5:15 in the afternoon.