The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) is calling on the Office of Utilities Regulations (OUR) to instruct the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) to halt the payment requirement under the current billing cycle.

This, amidst concerns amongst scores of customers who say their bills are reflecting massive increases despite having their power disrupted for long periods following Hurricane Beryl last month. 

Energy Minister Daryl Vaz has indicated that he will formally write to the OUR today insisting that a probe be conducted into the complaints. 

This move has been supported by the JLP which says the OUR must conduct a thorough probe into the disputed bills.

The JLP says the probe should be used to determine the circumstances in which bills dispatched to customers reflect exorbitant and burdensome increases, which are not consistent with reported consumption and usage patterns.

Deputy General Secretary, Richard Creary adds that there’s a need to revisit JPS’ licence  to ensure there is scope for tighter regulation of the company and to create a framework where customers are treated fairly and equitably.