President of the Small Business Association of Jamaica (SBAJ) Garnett Reid has described the 7% increase in electricity bills for November as unconscionable.

The announcement was made by the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) yesterday.

The OUR said the adjustment was anticipated as the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) had to rely on more expensive fuel sources for generation because natural gas was unavailable in the period leading up to, and immediately after hurricane Melissa.

Speaking with Irie FM news Mr. Reid underscored that electricity is a major part of business operations and the increase will hurt small businesses.

He said an increase should have only been considered, following the country’s recovery from the effects of hurricane Melissa.