Jamaica Gov’t Rolls Out New Plan to Cut Electricity Bills by 20%

KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Jamaican government has announced a fresh initiative aimed at slashing household electricity costs by 20% by the end of next year. This new plan, unveiled by Minister of Science, Energy, and Technology, Daryl Vaz, on Tuesday at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston, promises to tackle the high energy bills that have been squeezing families across the island.

Speaking to a packed room of business leaders and residents, Minister Vaz said the government will invest J$500 million over the next 18 months to expand the use of solar panels and energy-saving appliances in low-income communities. The program, dubbed “Light Up Jamaica,” will start in St. Thomas and St. Catherine before rolling out to all parishes by 2026.

Under the plan, 50,000 households will get free energy audits, and 10,000 families will receive subsidized solar water heaters and LED bulbs. The government also partnering with the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) to offer a new billing plan that rewards customers who use less power during peak hours.

One local resident, Marcia Brown, a 45-year-old teacher from Portmore, St. Catherine, welcomed the news. “Mi nuh rich, and mi pay over J$15,000 a month fi light bill. If dis plan can cut dat by even 10%, it a go help mi feed mi pickney dem. We need dis long time,” she said.

The announcement comes as the Bank of Jamaica reports that electricity costs now account for 12% of the average household’s monthly expenses, up from 8% in 2020. Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who was not at the event, has backed the plan, saying it is part of a broader push to lower the cost of living.

But not everyone is convinced. Some critics, like energy consultant Dr. Kevin Richards from the University of the West Indies, argue that the plan “lacks teeth” without stricter laws to force JPS to lower rates. “If the government serious, dem need to break up the monopoly and bring in more competition,” he told newsmen outside the Pegasus.

Minister Vaz fired back, saying the plan is just the start. “We can’t fix everything overnight, but we are moving. Every Jamaican deserves affordable light,” he said.

For households wanting to benefit, the government will open applications online starting January 15, 2025, via the Ministry’s website. Priority goes to homes earning under J$1.2 million a year. Residents can also call the energy hotline at 888-LIGHT for more details.

So, if you’re tired of high bills, watch out for that application date. It might just be the break you need.