LETTER OF THE DAY - JPS misses the point

THE EDITOR, Sir:

I must thank Winsome Callum of the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) for her response ('Don't mislead the public, Mr Montague', Gleaner, April 9, 2013) to my calls for her company to share in the sacrifices the whole nation is being called to undertake. The call was made on March 6, 2013 for her company to reduce electricity rates by 10-12 percentage points.

Two recommendations were then made.

1) For JPS to use the recommended Office of Utilities Regulation rates, as contained in the current request for proposal (RFP), for alternative energy solutions. JPS is suggesting a rate of US$0.2672 per kilowatt-hour. If you add the US$0.11 per kilowatt-hour, for transmission and distribution, you would get US$0.3772 per kilowatt-hour. JPS charges approximately, US$0.40 per kilowatt-hour.

A decrease in its rates to match the OUR rates would be welcomed by all JPS customers.

2) The Government was also asked to reduce the so-called guaranteed 17.5 per cent profits. The writer claims there are no such guaranteed profits.

Therefore, could JPS consider publishing the terms and conditions of the licence?

Would the JPS also consider engaging the OUR and see how best it could bring the rates in harmony? Noting that alternative energy solutions are more expensive?

I am well aware that JPS is one of our best corporate and compassionate citizens and will take into account the feeling of merciless exploitation, that many of its customers feel when we get our monthly bills.

I am also heartened by the openness of the company for dialogue and anxiously await an invitation so to do.

In the meantime, all of Jamaica would be so happy if the JPS announce a cut in its rates.

JPS, we are depending on you to help in whatever way you can to advance Jamaica.

ROBERT MONTAGUE

Chairman, JLP