256 Net Billing Licences Issued

Minister of State in the Ministry of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining, (MSTEM) Hon. Julian Robinson, says there is strong take up of the net billing arrangement, with more than 250 licences issued to date.

“We have over 256 net billing licences that have been issued for individuals, who are providing their own electricity and that is significant,” he told JIS News.

The award of the licences is being facilitated under the billing system, which was introduced in 2012, as part of measures to liberate the energy sector and diversify the energy base. These licenses allow persons to sell excess energy generated through renewable sources to the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) grid.

The State Minister said the Government is placing strong focus on lowering the cost of energy to consumers, including the introduction and use of alternative energy sources.

“For example, we have two new companies that are going to add about 80 megawatts to the grid with wind and solar solutions. Just last week, Prime Minister, the Most. Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, and Energy Minister, Hon. Phillip Paulwell, were in the US (United States of America) and were optimistic about getting gas, which is another cheaper source of energy,” he noted.

He said he is optimistic that in another two years, “when some of the renewable plants are operational, that the cost of energy should go down.”

“Energy impacts everything; every form of production requires energy, transport requires energy… everything will be affected positively if we find a cheaper way to produce energy,” Mr Robinson noted.

The Government has also undertaken conservation measures including the energy efficiency conservation project in the public sector; and the World Bank/MSTEM energy security and efficiency enhancement programme, which involves agencies within the public and private sectors. These programmes have resulted in tangible savings for the country.