The Clarendon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) says several businesses in the parish have begun to reallocate funds needed for other bill payments to pay excessively high electricity bills. 

This, amidst public outcry about a spike in bills issued by the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) this month. 

In some cases, the amount due has doubled even for customers who were without power for long periods due to the passage of Hurricane Beryl. 

The situation prompted an intervention from the Government, which announced last Wednesday that JPS was to cancel and reissue bills sent to customers who had no electricity after the hurricane. 

This directive was confirmed by the Office of Utilities Regulation on Friday which added that the JPS was to reduce some customers’ bills in the next billing period.  

Speaking with IRIE FM News, CCC President Dr. Winston Dawes says while he welcomes the directives, many businesses will have to fork out exorbitant amounts to pay the August bills. 

It is important to note that the JPS has indicated that it has suspended disconnections until September 15. 

Meanwhile, Dr. Dawes noted that the hike in bills has destroyed the public’s remaining trust in the JPS and has pushed more people to use solar energy.