Jamaica’s opposition spokesman on Energy, Phillip Paulwell, has taken aim at the government, accusing it of neglecting the energy sector.
Speaking during his contribution to the Sectoral Debate in Parliament on Tuesday, Paulwell lamented what he perceives as a lack of progress in the energy ministry since 2016.
Lack of achievements highlighted
Paulwell, a former energy minister himself, highlighted what he sees as a glaring absence of achievements under the government’s tenure.
He pointed to the escalating cost of electricity as a prime example of the administration’s purported inattention to the country’s energy needs.
According to him, the government lacks a clear vision, stating that it “has no notion of a benchmark price that it wants to attain.”
Escalating electricity prices
Drawing comparisons, Paulwell noted that when the People’s National Party left office in 2016, the price per kilowatt-hour stood at 23 US cents, down from 42 cents at the start of its term.
However, he lamented that this progress has since eroded, with the current price hovering around 40 cents.
Paulwell linked this surge in electricity costs to economic stagnation, asserting, “no wonder growth in the economy continues to elude us and our people continue to suffer.”
Ministry instability and urgent need for action
Paulwell criticized the Ministry of Energy for what he described as complete instability.
He argued that this lack of stability has typified the government’s approach to energy, ultimately disadvantaging society.
Urging immediate action, Paulwell called for the renegotiation of the license of the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS), which is set to expire in 2027.
Priorities for negotiations
In addition to renegotiating the JPS license, Paulwell emphasized the need for a modern regime to establish charging stations for electric vehicles.
He stressed the importance of fostering competition and providing incentives for the use of renewable energy sources in this regard.
Furthermore, Paulwell highlighted the necessity of lowering electricity prices for firms operating in special economic zones.
