Holness Draws Line on JPS: “High Electricity Costs Are Holding Jamaica Back”

Jamaica Live News Desk– | Jan 22, 2026

Prime Minister Andrew Holness says reducing Jamaica’s high electricity costs remains one of the central pillars of his administration’s economic reform agenda, as the Government continues negotiations with the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) ahead of the company’s licence expiry in 2027.

“For Jamaica to grow, we must deal with the high cost of electricity,” Holness said, noting that energy prices continue to be one of the biggest structural challenges facing households, businesses, and national competitiveness. He stressed that tackling this issue is not optional but essential if the country is to achieve sustained economic growth.

The Prime Minister confirmed that in July 2025, the Government formally issued notice on the JPS licence, triggering negotiations aimed at securing better terms for Jamaicans. According to Holness, the objective is clear: lower electricity costs over time, expand renewable energy use, improve customer service, and build a more resilient power grid that can withstand hurricanes and other natural disasters.

Holness also addressed concerns raised in the aftermath of recent hurricanes, making it clear that the Government did not retreat from its reform agenda despite the pressure. “Even after the hurricane, we did not change course,” he said, adding that while some governments might have backed away from tough negotiations during a crisis, his administration remained firm.

At the same time, the Prime Minister emphasized that the Government ensured JPS received the necessary support to restore electricity quickly after the storm. This, he said, was critical to allowing businesses to reopen, communities to stabilize, and the wider economy to restart without prolonged disruption.

The update comes amid ongoing public debate about electricity pricing, service quality, and the future structure of Jamaica’s energy sector. Holness reiterated that the Government’s position is rooted in balancing reform with stability, insisting that Jamaicans must ultimately benefit from a modernized, affordable, and disaster-resilient electricity system.