THE EDITOR, Sir:I HAVE been living at the address below for just three months. I received a light bill on November 3rd dated to be overdue on November 4th , for the amount of $5301.00. My previous bill was $807.00 and the month before nearly the same.
I have noted that on the left hand corner of the statement, there is a graph, which is relatively constant apart from the month in question with a major spike.
I had lived at my previous address for 13 years. I have noticed by comparing past bills from both locations, there have been little or no changes. I have not bought any appliances apart from a small digital camera, since this year. I have sent this bill to Consumer Affairs.
I called my cousin in Kingston on November 5th, and she told me that she has just experienced a similar situation. I then called the Customer Service Depart-ment in Black River, St. Elizabeth, where I was given a listening ear, and it was suggested that I pay down "something". I declined, stating that I needed an enquiry and explanation after all, there can be no leakage of power similar to water! My household comprises myself, wife, a baby and a dog. There is little or no usage during working hours.
JPS visited on Friday, made their perusal and didn't even say a word to my wife who was waiting. I was in discussion with a friend, who stated the same thing has happened to him, on the same Friday. He told me that nothing fair or just would ever come out of the situation. He mentioned that a talk show host on a popular station had experienced a similar situation and was given two weeks notice to pay the bill. Her service was disrupted when she did not comply.
Should I just sit down and accept it? Why a 656 per cent increase? Will they really prove to me that there is a power leakage? Who is the watchdog for the JPS? Was this a genuine case of an error?? Is the entire Jamaica receiving this wholesale exploitation? How should I trust these institutions/monopoly any more?
Mr. Editor, the town of Santa Cruz was flooded by lightning, thunder and daily power cuts during the month of October.
I am, etc.,
HOWARD HENDRIKS
12 Orchid Dr
Providence Gardens
Santa Cruz
