Mixed reactions to Gov't's JPS enquiry proposal

The Gleaner yesterday sought responses to Government's proposal to set up a commission of enquiry into the billing practices of the Jamaica Public Service. Players in the business sector had mixed reactions to the proposal.

• Brian Pengelley, President of the Jamaica Manufacturers' Association

We would like to understand a lot more on the information. What would be the specific terms of reference going into the enquiry? What would be the specific outcomes expected? Enquiries at the moment, we've had some experience where they really don't seem to have a lot of teeth and I don't know that they can mandate. They can also be costly, and before we would endorse it or say we know definitively that we are not in favour, we need a lot more information than what has been given to us already.

• Wincella Cummings, Budget strategist - LASCO

It would be foolhardy of me to say 'yes' in the absence of knowing what the scope of that commission of enquiry is going to be.

It's my opinion that rather than having additional costs of setting up a commission of enquiry ... a company like (JPS), its internal audit should have at least four or five technical expertise sections and that information should be readily available and the Office of Utilities Regulation should be able to review that.

• William Mahfood, Managing director, Wisynco

I'll tell you of more than one occurrence where contractors from JPS were sent to disconnect locations of friends of mine and business acquaintances ... on the basis that the customer had not paid the bill and it was a week old. The point is JPS did not even send out a bill.

Their practices are extortionist. People say I should not speak like that, but the truth is they are not a customer-friendly company.

There has to be a better mechanism to control and manage the energy provision in the country and I think the Government must do something about it before it cripples the entire economy.

• Kim Lee, Head of marketing - Trade Winds Limited

The Government should always do their due diligence, no matter what company or what provider it is that is supplying the Jamaican public. As manufacturers, we have challenges with high cost of electricity that impacts not just our manufacturing processes but also the consumer. Frankly, anything that would help to relieve that burden would be greatly appreciated.