Based on the number of complaints we were receiving at the National Consumers' League from consumers about the exorbitant bills they were receiving from the Jamaica Public Service, we wrote to the Office of Utility Regulation (OUR) requesting that an investigation be done on the meter reading and billing system of the JPS.

The OUR has a report on its website dated February 2007 titled 'Review of Jamaica Public Service Company Limited's Billing System for Electricity Consumption'.

Pricewaterhouse Coopers prepared the report for the OUR in accordance with a consultancy agreement dated March 22, 2006.

This report has 18 separate 'Terms Of References' (TORs) summary, scope limitations and key findings for each of the TOR.

I draw consumers' and the media's attention to this report, particularly because the OUR is about to start its JPS 2009 Tariff Review Consultations across the island. Information embedded within this report will allow consumers to ask more pointed questions about the service we are receiving from JPS, and possibly we will be able to see some of the causes and ensure that these are remedied as part of the consultation exercise.

I am, etc.,

CARLTON STEWART

Immediate Past President

National Consumers' League

29 Beechwood Avenue

Kingston 5.