JAMAICA | Paulwell proposes Renewable Energy for Innercity Communities

KINGSTON, Jamaica. May 4, 2024 - The People's National Party  Shadow Minister of Energy, Member of Parliament Phillip Paulwell, is lamenting that JPSCO consumers have had to be paying 17% of their electricity bills to JPS in an effort to recoup financial losses due to electricity theft.

In a recent statement, Paulwell has called on the government to consider proposals from the opposition to tackle this pressing issue.

"Electricity theft places an inordinate burden on consumers, who shoulder the cost of the 200,000 households that steal electricity," remarked Paulwell. "It affects all of us, especially consumers who must contribute hard-earned money to defray its impact,” said Paulwell. 

The energy spokesman said he  outlined a detailed plan aimed at leveraging solar technology to provide affordable energy solutions to underserved communities.  

The Opposition MP said this  proposal has been disregarded by the government despite being presented in Parliament via a Private Members motion.

"The Government should look at my proposals to deploy between 3KW and 5KW solar systems along with batteries in these communities where the theft of electricity has overwhelmed the capacity of the JPSCO and the Police to contain," he urged.

Advancements in solar technology have made renewable energy more accessible and cost-effective, noted Paulwell.

"Solar panels, inverters, and batteries are becoming far more efficient, with greater capacity and more easily deployed using less roof space," said Paulwell. "The price is falling and will continue in the foreseeable future."

Paulwell urged the government to prioritize these proposals, emphasizing the potential for positive outcomes for all stakeholders involved.

"It would be a winning solution for everyone as the poor will have access to this necessity, the consumers will get a 17 per cent price break, and carbon credits can be earned from this increased use of renewable energy," he added.

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