JPS Batting for Lower House Wiring Costs

JPS is appealing for reduced house wiring costs.  This, in light of the fact that customers have seen unacceptably high prices, quoted by electricians and or inspectors, since the establishment of the deregulated Government Electrical Regulator (GER).  The Company had hoped that persons would be shielded from this outcome, and so had requested that the Ministry of Energy put a cap on fees to make it more affordable. Despite the absence of a price cap, however, JPS has succeeded in obtaining these electrical services at lower costs. The Company is therefore appealing to electricians and inspectors to review their prices, with the objective of making electricity connections more affordable to all Jamaicans.

Speaking on the Company’s observations, the Senior Vice President of Customer Service, Mr. Ramsay McDonald, says, “We live in a day and age where electricity is a basic commodity.  It is therefore necessary to have appropriate supporting costs, such as those associated with house wiring and GER Inspection. 

The sector uses a point system in the costing of labour to effect electrical wiring and inspection of facilities. Points are determined by the number of installations required for electrical interfaces, such as wall sockets, bulbs/lighting receptacles, switches and panel boards.  Based on the Company’s recent engagement of electricians and inspectors across the country, customers can expect on average, to pay $3,500 per point.