Opposition Spokesperson on Energy Phillip Paulwell has claimed that the high cost of electricity is due to the failure of Government to diversify fuel sources.

In his contribution to sectoral debates in Parliament yesterday, Mr. Paulwell noted that the Government’s failure to act in this regard has been a political choice.

He pointed out that the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) licence has been amended by both political administrations, therefore negotiations on a new licence is possible in the national interest.

According to Phillip Paulwell, the previous Peoples National Party administration was initially told by JPS, that bringing more than 5% of renewables to the grid would lead to instability.

The percentage has been increased to 15 but Paulwell suggested that it go as far as 50%.

He also highlighted the Government’s inability to increase renewables on the grid since 2016.

He said that any new generation licence must be procured through government owned Generation Procurement Entity (GPE) entity.