FOR A while it appeared that a cultural gap had opened up between American-owned Jamaica Public Service Company (JPSCo) and Jamaican regulatory agencies representing the interests of the government and the general public. This came to light as the result of a dispute between the power company and the Bureau of Standards over the accuracy of meters installed by the company to record electricity usage by commercial customers, many of whom, including a member of the board of directors of the bureau, have been complaining about escalating bills.
JPSCO, reflecting an American hard line approach to management, placed paid advertisements in the media setting out its position and Dr. Omar Thomas, executive director of the Bureau, no less militant, was planning to take the company to court.
JPSCO's objection to the meter checking regime being insisted on by the Bureau is that the cost for each inspection would be more than the cost for installing a new meter, a cost which the company would have to pass on to its customers. As a pragmatic argument, this seems to be an important consideration regardless of the legalities involved. On the other hand, there is no question that the Bureau has the right on behalf of consumers to ensure, within reasonable tolerances, that the JPSCo's meters are accurate.
The general public, faced with increasing electricity bills and more frequent power cuts, is less than friendly in its attitude to the company and sceptical about its bona fides. The Bureau, sensing this public reaction, took a hard line but given the inherent authority vested in all government regulatory agencies we trust that it will avoid the temptation to be high-handed, a dangerous response of all entrusted with power. Surely the question of whether the cost of inspection is more than the cost of a new meter is a question of fact on which experts in the field should be able to agree.
It is good that both sides have now agreed on a framework that will guide the testing of meters, ensuring a role for the bureau in ensuring accuracy. This role will not have adverse financial impact on customers or the company's operations.
THE OPINIONS ON THIS PAGE, EXCEPT FOR THE ABOVE, DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE GLEANER.
