Introduce electricity subsidy
Published:Monday | September 27, 2021 | 12:06 AM
THE EDITOR, Madam:
With the recent increase in the electricity bill, Jamaicans should demand that the Government subsidise residential customers of the Jamaica Public Service (JPS).
The People’s National Party’s manifesto in the last elections proposed a $3,000 credit towards electricity bills monthly for some households as part of their ‘Wealthy Plan’, and most of us mocked them as being a socialist. One year later, things are worse economically for most Jamaicans. Bus and taxi fares, food, cable and other expenses have increased. No Jamaican has got any pay increase and work hours have been cut, so we’re feeling it.
The over 500,000 residential customers of JPS should call on the Government to intervene, by assisting them financially. The current hardship will force many of us to go back to kerosene and lamps, or some may even be tempted to steal electricity. Hopefully, things will get back to normal by September 2022, hence the Government can find $18 billion for the year to fund this $3,000-per-month initiative.
TEDDYLEE GRAY
Ocho Rios, St Ann