Act Now On Energy - Private Sector Gives Gov’t Ultimatum To Online Policy, OUR Apologises To Paulwel

KINGSTON, Jamaica, Gleaner - THREE OF the country's leading private-sector groups have given Energy Minister Phillip Paulwell and the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) 30 days to lay out a clear road map to secure massive reductions in electricity rates. The Government was banking on the introduction of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to reduce the cost of electricity by up to 40 per cent. However, the fate of the LNG project hangs in the balance following the withdrawal of the Government from the process. Paulwell told the House of Representatives last October that he has "a firm assurance from the JPS (Jamaica Public Service Company) that they will undertake this LNG project within the timelines established".