As the price of fossil fuels sky-rocket or fluctuate, so do the
cries of local industries, firms and households. The price of oil
and, by extension, the price of electricity drives the cost of
almost all goods and services. Industry experts, policy makers and
their advisors have long declared that harvesting electricity from
renewable energy sources is a critical component of Jamaica's
economic viability and sustainable development.
A clear and efficient regulatory framework for net billing and
wheeling are important drivers for the renewable energy sector. I
am happy to see that the recently circulated Electricity Act Bill
includes provisions that address these two issues. The provisions
in the Bill should be carefully reviewed by stakeholders to ensure
that the Act, when passed is of assistance rather than a hindrance
to the renewable energy sector. Currently, the regulatory framework
on wheeling and net billing are contained in the Office of
Utilities Regulation
