Solar Power Cells, Hot Water, Energy, Collectors

Net Billing: Opening the Door for Increased Renewable Energy Use

01.01.70

KINGSTON — For many Jamaicans just the thought of lowering their electricity bill is enough to bring on a broad smile. Now imagine having the ability to not only pay zero on your electricity bill, but also be able to sell excess energy back to the public electricity grid!

Government recently announced a successful renegotiation of some the terms of the licence of the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS). The renegotiation now forms a major springboard in its efforts to ensure a take-off of the country's energy policy. These include energy security, the development of renewable energy sources, increases in energy efficiency and reinforcement of the regulatory framework to encourage investments in the sector.

Net Billing allows consumers to sell unused energy to the public electricity grid, generated from devices that harness renewable energy. This follows growing public calls for government to take steps to make energy more affordable. It is also is in step with government’s stated intent to increase the renewable energy intake to, at least, 20 percent of total demand.

Source: Government of Jamaica, Jamaica Information Service