Quote Originally Posted by sunray View Post
My apology to one and all for making this misleading and inaccurate post. I based my post on believing what I read on the Jamaica-Gleaner website. (link attached in original post) I won't make the mistake of believing what I read on the Jamaica Gleaner website again!
After a little research on my part, I learned the JPS made a submission (dated April 3, 2013) to the Office of Utilities Regulations (OUR) for an overall adjustment of 10.35% to the non-fuel base electricity rates for the period of June 1, 2013 to June 1, 2014. I have not gleaned any reliable information on whether this submission for a rate adjustment will be, or has been, approved or denied by the OUR.
As for the devaluation of the Jamaican currency, and the IMF's direct influence on that, I regret the hardship it will inflict on the Jamaican
people. It disturbs me when visitors to Jamaica naively cheer the $J falling to an exchange rate approaching 100 to 1 against the US
greenback. (This is solely my opinion).

Rob correctly said, there is no increase at the current time. Great line for the subject at hand!
Thank you sunray for taking the time to check out and clarify your original post. Nuff Respect on dat! The "..visitors to Jamaica naively cheer the $J falling to an exchange rate approaching 100 to 1 against the US greenback" is an opinion shared by many of us (especially those who live in Jamaica).

When it comes to the proposed rate increase, the currency devaluation is one facet of the equation and the austerity that needs to be imposed on Jamaica for "out of control" spending for many years is certainly a major part of the problem. I also think the common practice of "stealing electricity" through illegal "bridges" and such coupled with the rising price of fuel needed to power the plants can't be discounted either.

Jamaica still has a lot of pain to endure but, in the end, the patient has a good prognosis of getting well again. I, for one, will gladly (and begrudgingly) pay the increase (if it ever gets approved) as long as increase in revenue actually results in a better electrical service.

Peace and Guidance