Jamaica Public Service (JPS) probe in works

• Expert, interest group wary of billing enquiry

Debbie-Ann Wright, Assistant News Editor - Radio

Former head of the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR), Winston Hay, is warning that any enquiry into the billing practices of the Jamaica Public Service Company Limited (JPS) must be clear in its objectives if it is to yield meaningful results.

Yesterday, Energy and Mining Minister Clive Mullings disclosed on radio that Cabinet has been having discussions aimed at setting up a commission of enquiry into the light and power company's billing practices.

Mullings said the terms of reference were being worked out and would be announced soon. He, however, hinted they would cover issues related to the company's billing mechanisms and its new meter system.

Commenting on the development, Hay said an enquiry could highlight some of the problems which have led to conflict between the JPS and its customers.

However, he was wary of becoming too optimistic, noting that the enquiry's success would be determined by how focused the terms of reference are.

"Instead of having a more or less open investigation, I would think that if the panel were to select what they consider to be the basic problems to be addressed, and then persons with whom they would interact to gain the information, I could see something like that being useful," Hay stated.

The news of the proposed enquiry comes amid mounting complaints about high electricity bills and the power company's service to customers.

Last month, senators depicted the JPS as exploitative, extortionate and burdensome as they debated a private member's motion aimed at getting the JPS to surrender its monopoly.

And just this month, small and medium-size business owners complained about a sharp increase in their electricity bills since the JPS introduced new digital meters.

The groups had also expressed little confidence in the ability of the OUR to properly investigate the matter.

Contacted last night, president of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Alliance, Dr Rosalea Hamilton, said her group believed the Government should think twice about any such plans, as it was not prepared for a drawn-out enquiry.