Understanding Your JPS Bill
The truth is, electricity bills can be complicated. There are parts JPS controls, parts we don't, and one very important part that YOU control. Let's walk through each one so you can understand exactly what you're paying for and why.
Understanding The Journey Of Electricity
Your bill isn't just a random number. It reflects the physical cycle of energy—from the power plant, through the grid, to your meter. Here is the breakdown of that cycle.
Phase 1: Generation
Creating the Power.
Before electricity reaches you, it must be generated. This requires fuel (oil & gas). We buy this fuel from global suppliers like Petrojam.
Key Bill Items:
• Fuel Charge: Cost of oil/gas (Pass-through).
• IPP Charge: Power bought from other producers.
Why it fluctuates: Just like gas prices at the pump, fuel costs change monthly based on the global market.
Phase 2: Generation
These rates are set by the OUR, not JPS.
The Infrastructure.
Once generated, power travels through our grid of poles, wires, and transformers to reach your home safely. Maintaining this complex network costs money 24/7.
Key Bill Items:
• Customer Charge: Fixed monthly ``subscription`` fee.
• Energy Charge: Operational costs (Regulated).
Phase 3: Consumption
Your Daily Usage.
This is the active phase. Your home draws energy to power your daily life—from cooling to entertainment. The total electricity (kWh) used by your appliances sets the baseline for your bill, meaning your efficiency choices have the biggest influence on the final amount.
Did you know?
The Big 3 Energy Users:
AC (Can be 50% of bill!)
Water Heater
Inefficient Fridge
Phase 4: Valuation
FX Adjustment
When the Jamaican dollar fluctuates against the US dollar, the ``Billing Exchange Rate`` on your invoice changes to match the real cost of purchasing fuel.
The Exchange Rate.
Because the fuel used to generate power is purchased in US Dollars, the value of the Jamaican Dollar impacts the final calculation of your bill.
Phase 5: Taxation
Government Taxes.
Finally, the Government applies taxes to electricity services. We collect this on behalf of the government and pass it directly to the Tax Administration.
GCT Update
Effective May 2025, the General Consumption Tax (GCT) for residential customers has been reduced from 15% to 7%.
Now that we understand the journey
Let's go into more details
SHOWCASING CLARITY & TRANSPARENCY WHEN YOUR BILL COMES TO YOU!
Understanding Your Bill
Your Bill Format
If you want to know what your bill is based on, this is where you look. Your bill may be based on an actual meter reading or an estimated reading calculated using an average of three; 3 recent actual meter readings.
The amount of energy you used
This is the only part of your bill you have direct control over. The more electricity you use, the more you pay. The less you use, the less you pay. Small changes in your habits like using enegry efficient devices can lower your total bill.
Learn How To Manage Your EnergyCost & Fees
What it is: A fixed monthly fee - like a subscription fee. It stays the same whether you use 50 kWh or 500 kWh.
What it covers: Maintaining the poles, wires, transformers, meters, and systems that bring electricity to your home. Think of it like paying for the road even when you're not driving on it - the infrastructure needs to be there and working.
Non- Fuel Charges
This covers the actual cost of producing and delivering electricity to your home.
How it works:
The Energy Charge depends on how many kilowatt-hours (kWh) you use each month. More usage = higher energy charge. This is why monitoring your consumption is so important.
Calculating Fuel Charges
What it is: The cost of the natural gas and oil needed to run the power plants that generate your electricity. This is usually the BIGGEST chunk of your bill - often over 50%.
Why it changes:
JPS and the Independent Power Producers (IPPs) buy fuel from suppliers like Petrojam and Excelerate Energy. When prices go up on the world market, that cost gets passed through. JPS doesn't profit from the fuel charge - it's a pass-through cost based on actual fuel used.
Learn More About Fuel RateIPP Charges
What it is: Sometimes JPS doesn't generate all the electricity Jamaica needs, especially during peak times. So we buy extra electricity from Independent Power Producers (IPPs) - other companies that have power plants.
Why this exists: To make sure you always have electricity when you need it, even when demand is really high (like when everyone turns on AC at 6pm).
Maximum Peak Requirements Cost
The Demand Charge is designed to cover costs related to the generating capacity that JPS has to put in place and maintain in order to serve the maximum (peak) requirements of each customer. It is listed as a separate item for Rates 40 and 50 customers only, but it is included in the Energy Charge for other rate classes.
Basis To Calculate Foreign Exchange Rate
This refers to the foreign exchange rate that was used by the OUR to develop the rates published in the Rate Schedule. It is used as the basis for calculating the foreign exchange adjustment on your bill.
Average Foreign Exchange Rate During Billed Period
This is the average foreign exchange rate that exists during the period for which you are being billed. It is used along with The Base Exchange Rate to calculate the foreign exchange adjustment factor on your bill.
Foreign Exchange Costs & Fees
The foreign exchange rate changes regularly, and a significant portion of the costs of producing and delivering electricity is based on US dollars. As a result, each month the exchange rate applied to your bill has to be calculated to show [movement in the US Dollar viz-a-viz the JA Dollar]
Taxes (GCT)
What it is: General Consumption Tax - just like the tax you pay when you buy food or clothes. This goes to the Government of Jamaica, not to JPS.
Reading Type
If you want to know what your bill is based on, this is where you look.
Customer Charge
This is a fixed monthly charge to cover the cost of meters, meter maintenance, bill delivery, etc
Fuel Charge
This charge is based on the cost of the oil and gas used to generate electricity.
IPP Charge
This charge is for electricity we buy to sell to you, our customers.
Base Exchange Rate
This refers to the foreign exchange rate that was used by the OUR to develop the rates published in the Rate Schedule.
Billing Exchange Rate
This is the average foreign exchange rate that exists during the period for which you are being billed.
Common Questions About Your Bill
Everyday questions we get from customers - click any question to see the answer
1. What's the difference between an "Actual" reading and an "Estimated" reading?
Actual reading: A JPS meter reader (or our remote reading system) checked your meter and recorded the exact number showing on it. This is your real usage.
Estimated reading: We couldn’t access your meter (maybe locked gate, dog, inaccessible location, or system issue), so we estimated your usage based on your past bills.
How estimates work: We look at your last 3 actual readings and calculate an average. If you normally use 300 kWh per month, we’ll estimate around 300 kWh.
Important: When we get your next actual reading, we’ll adjust for any difference. If we underestimated, you’ll see a catch-up charge. If we overestimated, you’ll get a credit. You only pay for electricity you actually use.
To avoid estimates: Make sure your meter is accessible – clear any bushes, unlock gates on meter reading day, and ensure dogs are secured.
2. Does JPS Charge more in the summer?
No we don’t. However with Jamaica’s hot summer months (June-September) most people run AC way more than in cooler months. When it’s 32°C outside, that AC is working overtime to keep your house at 22°C.
Real example: A family that uses 400 kWh in January (minimal AC) might use 800 kWh in July (AC running daily). That’s double the usage and it may mean a higher bill.
💡 Summer savings tips:
- Set AC to 25-26°C, not 20-22°C (still comfortable but uses way less power)
- Use fans to circulate cool air instead of running multiple ACs
- Close windows and curtains during the hot day to keep heat out
- Only cool the rooms you’re actually using
- Clean AC filters monthly – dirty filters make AC work harder
3. What is kWh?
kWh = Kilowatt-hour. It’s how we measure electricity, like liters for gas or pounds for rice.
Simple way to think about it: 1 kWh is the amount of electricity it takes to run:
- A typical room AC for 1 hour
- Your fridge for about 24 hours
- Ten 10-watt LED bulbs for 10 hours
- A TV for 10-15 hours
How to track your usage:
- Read your meter: Write down the number today, then check again tomorrow at the same time. The difference is how many kWh you used in 24 hours.
- Use the MyJPS app: It shows your daily usage automatically – way easier!
4. I Think My Bill is wrong, What should I do?
Don’t panic – let’s figure it out step by step:
Step 1: Check if it’s an actual or estimated reading
Look at your bill – it will say “Actual” or “Estimated.” If it’s estimated and seems way off, your next actual reading will correct it.
Step 2: Compare your usage to previous months
Look at the kWh (kilowatt-hours) you used this month vs. last month. Did you actually use more electricity? Maybe you:
- Ran AC more (hot weather?)
- Had guests staying over
- Left something running (water pump, water heater)
- Got a new appliance
Step 3: Check if fuel prices went up
Even with the same usage, your bill can be higher if fuel costs increased that month. Look at the “Fuel Charge” line on your bill.
Step 4: Still think something’s wrong?
- Take photos of your meter reading
- Open the MyJPS app and submit a bill dispute, or
- Call 888-CALL-JPS (225-5577) and ask them to walk you through your bill
- You can also visit any JPS commercial office
5. Can I switch to prepaid electricity? How does it work?
Yes! JPS offers prepaid electricity service.
How prepaid works:
- You buy electricity credit BEFORE you use it (like buying phone credit)
- You top up through the MyJPS app, at authorized vendors, or online
- Your meter shows how much credit you have left
- When credit runs low, you get alerts to top up
- No monthly bills, no surprises – you control your spending
Benefits:
- No security deposit required
- No monthly bills or due dates
- You see exactly how much electricity costs as you use it
- Better budget control – buy what you can afford
- No disconnection notices or late fees
Things to know:
- You need to have a prepaid meter installed (there’s an installation process)
- You still pay all the same charges (energy, fuel, taxes, etc.)
- Your power will go off if you run out of credit, so keep track!
How to switch: Use the MyJPS app to request prepaid service, or call 888-CALL-JPS. We’ll explain the process and costs involved.
6. Why do I have to pay a Customer Charge even when I barely use any electricity?
Think of the Customer Charge like a Netflix subscription or internet service fee.
Even if you don’t watch Netflix all month, you still pay the subscription because the service is available to you 24/7 when you need it.
What the Customer Charge covers:
- Maintaining the poles and wires that connect to your house
- Your meter and its maintenance
- Meter reading (whether actual or remote)
- Billing and customer service systems
- Having electricity AVAILABLE 24/7, ready when you need it
Why it exists: These infrastructure costs exist whether you use 10 kWh or 1000 kWh. The poles still need maintenance, your meter still needs reading, the wires still need to be kept in good condition.
Important: The Customer Charge is set by the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR), not JPS. It’s the same for all residential customers and covers the fixed costs of providing electricity service
7. What uses the most electricity in my home?
It depends on how you use your appliances and wether they are in good condition or not. But the Big 3 electricity eaters in most Jamaican homes:
- Air Conditioning – By far the biggest. Running AC all day can use 50-60% of your monthly electricity. A single AC unit running 8 hours a day can cost $6,000-$10,000 per month.
- Water Heater – Uses a lot of power to heat water. An electric shower or tank heater running daily can add $3,000-$5,000 to your monthly bill.
- Refrigerator/Freezer – Runs 24/7. An old inefficient fridge can cost $2,000-$3,000 per month. Newer energy-efficient ones cost much less.
Also watch out for: Electric stoves/ovens, clothes dryers, irons, and water pumps.
💡 Biggest impact: Set AC to 25°C instead of 20°C, use it only when you’re in the room, and turn off the water heater when not in use. These three changes alone can cut your bill by 30-40%.
Post-Hurricane Billing Questions
We recognize that in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa our customers will have questions about their bills. Below are answers to some questions you may get from both our customers and team members.
Q1: Do I still have to pay a JPS bill, given the devastation experienced by Category 5 Hurricane Melissa?
Yes, it is important that our customers pay for the electricity that they use. We recognise that bill payment could be a challenge for persons who were badly impacted by the hurricane, so JPS has introduced a customer bill relief programme that includes:
- No service disconnections until December 15, 2025
- No Late Fees until December 15, 2025
- Payment arrangements for customers who need additional support
While we continue to facilitate payment plans for customers who need extra time, we encourage persons who are in a position to do so, to pay what they can towards their bills in order to reduce balances carried forward on future invoices.
Q2: How can I set up a flexible payment plan or get an extension on my bill payment?
You can request a payment extension or set up a payment plan using the MyJPS Mobile App or by contacting our Customer Care Centre at 888-CALL-JPS (225-5577) or 888-935-5577.
Q3: Why were the October bills so late?
Hurricane Melissa disrupted normal business operations in many ways, including scheduled meter reading and bill delivery. The bills that are currently being dispatched (up to the end of November) cover customer usage mainly for the period before Hurricane Melissa.
Q4. Has JPS communicated to customers about their bills post-Hurricane Melissa?
Yes, we communicated with our customers through Email, Text Messages, Notifications from the MyJPS App, Messages on Bills and general announcements via the news media. The information already shared with customers include: (a) the fact that the bills currently being dispatched are mainly for pre-hurricane usage; and (b) the bill relief initiatives being made available to them.
Additional information will be shared with customers in the coming days, to include explanations regarding the factors impacting their next bills.
Q5. Are the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) and the Government aware of what’s happening with JPS bills?
Yes, we have been in constant dialogue with the OUR and the Ministry of Energy regarding the impact of Hurricane Melissa on our operations – including billing. They are fully aware of our restoration efforts, as well as our efforts to help our customers through this difficult period.
Q7: Do the bills reflect the days when some customers were without service because of the hurricane?
Yes, the majority of bills are based on actual readings, and would reflect the usage recorded by your meter.
Q8: Will some customers get estimated bills?
Yes, less than 10% of our customers will be getting estimated bills because we could not access their meters to get readings due to limited communication services from our telecommunication partners, whose infrastructure also sustained damage from the hurricane.
Q9: My November bill seems lower than my usual bill, although I only lost electricity for a very short time after the hurricane. Why is this?
Your bill may be low because you were billed for fewer billing days than usual.
Because of the limitations caused by the unavailability of communication services, we were not able to read all of our customers’ meters on the scheduled read dates after the hurricane. As a result, some customers were billed based on the last actual pre-hurricane reading on record for them, up to October 28.
For example, if your usual billing period is October 3 – November 3 (31 days), and we were not able to get a reading on the scheduled reading date of November 3, you were billed using the last pre-hurricane reading on record for you, which would have been up to October 28. Your bill would therefore cover your actual usage for the period October 3 – 28 (26 days).
This means that if you had gotten back electricity right after the hurricane and used electricity to the end of your billing period on November 3, those additional 5 days (October 29 – November 3) will be reflected on your next bill. Bear in mind that you will only be billed for your usage based on the actual reading recorded by your meter.
We understand that this may create an additional challenge when you receive your December bill, and encourage you to contact us if you need to make a payment arrangement.
Q10. Why does my bill show normal usage even though the hurricane affected my service days before the billing date?
The usage shown could be for one of two reasons:
1. An Actual Reading: Your bill may be based on an actual meter reading taken just before the hurricane. This would reflect your normal usage up to that date but would not include the period after the storm when your service was affected.
2. An Estimated Reading: Due to communication outages, we may have been unable to get a reading and had to issue a bill based on an estimate, which may not reflect your reduced consumption.
In both cases, this bill may not fully reflect the disruption to your service. Your account will be reconciled once we obtain a subsequent actual reading, and you will only be charged for the energy you actually used.
Q11. I evacuated before the storm. Why is my usage still high?
A: Your bill likely reflects your normal energy consumption before you evacuated. If the bill reflects an actual usage, this would be usage prior to you evacuating. If we had to issue an estimated bill, it would be based on your average past consumption and will be reconciled when your next actual reading is done.(remember, if you had not turned off your main circuit breaker before evacuating, there could have been appliances in the house that may still have recorded energy usage.)
Q12: Will my bill be higher because JPS had to use more expensive fuel?
This is very possible, as the fuel charge on your bill will be impacted. For several days after Hurricane Melissa, the natural gas supply was unavailable for safety reasons. This required a temporary switch to a more expensive fuel, Automotive Diesel Oil (ADO), to power some generating units. The higher cost of this fuel will be reflected in the bills customers receive in December.
NOTE:
- There are other factors that will determine the final amount on your bill. These include: how much electricity you use and the foreign exchange rate – both of which change from time to time.
- The Fuel Charge is the biggest cost on your bill – usually accounting for more than 50% of your bill. The fuel charge is a direct pass-through of the actual cost that JPS and the Independent Power Producers (IPPs) pay to the suppliers of ADO and LNG for the electricity customers use.