Opposition Spokesman on Energy, Phillip Paulwell, says customers of the Jamaica Public Service Company, JPS, must be made aware of the existing laws that protect them from unfair treatment by the utility.
Abigail Bartley reports.
On July 19, JPS announced that some customers were set to receive estimated bills for the June-July period, due to the passage of Hurricane Beryl.
JPS stated that the estimates would be calculated by using a customer’s last three actual metre readings.
The announcement was met with widespread criticism from the public.
In response, JPS announced plans to give a 20 percent discount to over 300,000 residential customers, who use 150 kilowatt hours of electricity or less.
But according to Phillip Paulwell, customers are unaware that they have rights against unfair treatment by the JPS under the 2005 Consumer Protection Act.
Mr. Paulwell is also rejecting claims by portfolio minister, Daryl Vaz, that he should be blamed for the recent decision by JPS to issue estimated bills to customers.
Mr. Vaz says the decision by JPS to give some customers estimated bills was a result of the entity being able to utilise a license granted to them by Paulwell while he was energy minister in 2012.
But according to Mr. Paulwell, the license was first signed by a previous JLP government.
And PNP general secretary, Dr. Dayton Campbell, is appealing to JPS, to show kindness to residents of East Westmoreland who have yet to have their electricity restored since Hurricane Beryl struck three weeks ago.
Dr. Campbell is also PNP caretaker for the constituency.
He says families are unable to store food safely, leading to increased waste and financial challenges.
Dr. Campbell is urging JPS to prioritise communities that remain in the dark.
Dr. Dayton Campbell, PNP caretaker for East Westmoreland.
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