Help Pay the JPS Estimated Bill Back Home in Jamaica

Jamaica Public Service (JPS) recently contacted Jamaicans to tell them their next electricity bill would be estimated. The news was met with anger from many Jamaicans, still recovering from Hurricane Beryl, particularly along the southern coast. Some areas remain without access to electricity as JPS continues to repair the energy network. Many were left worried about the extra burden of a potentially higher bill than usual. Here's how you can help family and friends back home pay the light bill.

What is an Estimated JPS Bill?

Typically, JPS will charge you based on your actual energy usage. They’ll do this by reading your electricity meter which shows your usage since the last reading. This is then used to calculate your bill based on actual usage.

JPS has explained that an estimated bill is calculated using the average of your last three actual readings and recognises that this estimate may not reflect the true reading of a customer’s bill. This is especially true following electricity outages.

JPS has been unable to read meters in the aftermath of the storm, leading to the issuing of estimated bills instead. However, an estimated bill could potentially leave Jamaicans paying for energy they haven’t used until an accurate usage reading can be carried out.

Will There Be an Estimated JPS Bill?

Right now it remains unclear whether or not an estimated bill will be issued to JPS customers. This went to the very top of the Jamaican government, with Energy Minister Daryl Vaz discussing the matter at a Post Cabinet Meeting, showing his annoyance that customers are receiving estimated bills already.

Thankfully, JPS has “softened” its stance on the issuance of estimated bills. JPS has also announced a Hurricane Beryl Relief Programme, which will provide discounts and credits for some customers.

Paying the Estimated JPS Bill

If people back home are worried about paying their JPS bill on time, there are a few things that can be done.

When a bill has been issued that is higher than usual, customers can apply for an extension to give them more time to pay before being disconnected. JPS has also said they “continue to facilitate flexible payment arrangements for customers who need extensions”. These extension requests can be made using the myJPS Mobile App or by contacting JPS Customer Care.

Paying the bill itself, whether it ends up being actual or estimated, will be done in your usual method.

If you’re reading this abroad, and concerned about your family and friends back home in Jamaica, there is a way you can send support. With Ding, you can help your family and friends in Jamaica pay the JPS bill, no matter where you are in the world. In a matter of seconds, you can send them a JPS eGift and help pay some or all of their electricity bill.