Energy Minister Daryl Vaz is said to be “disturbed” by complaints from customers of the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) about an “unusual” and “major” spike in electricity bills sent to them by the company during the current billing cycle.

As such the minister is set to formally write to the leadership of the independent regulatory body, the Office of Utilities Regulations (OUR), on Monday, insisting on an investigation into multiple complaints about the issue.

Vaz is also demanding an explanation from the JPS for the major spike in electricity bills of many of its customers during the current billing cycle.

“I’ve been bombarded by complaints from Jamaicans from all walks of life. I will also be sending correspondence to JPS insisting on an investigation into this development and an explanation,” Vaz said in a release to the media.

“I will insist that customers of the JPS be treated in a fair and just manner. The widespread reports of a major spike in bills present an opportunity for us to once and for all deal with longstanding complaints about the JPS’ billing cycle,” Vaz said.

The energy minister said he has also received reports in which customers of the JPS who were without electricity for an extended time due to the passage of Hurricane Beryl on July 3  have received a major increase in their bills.

Minister Vaz said the current development is “unacceptable”.

He said it would be appropriate “should the OUR, which is the body authorised in law to regulate utility companies in Jamaica, immediately seek to assist the government’s efforts to ensure just and fair treatment of the Jamaican people”.