Consumers will now have to monitor their electricity usage even more since as of this month the 10 per cent General Consumption Tax (GCT) will be reflected in their bills.

The new GCT was first announced in the Government's initial jaw dropping tax package, which was announced in December 2009. The duty on electricity was first set at 17.5 per cent before being lowered to 10 per cent following complaints from the public.

power usage

The Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS), the island's supplier of electricity, is encouraging consumers to conserve on power usage, bearing in mind the tax.

Corporate Communications Manager at the JPS, Winsome Callum, said that the tax applies to electricity usage that exceeds 200 kilowatt hours for residential customers. Business customers, however, will be taxed for total usage.

The light and power company said that several entities such as government ministries and departments, hospitals, and schools will be exempt from the new tax measure.

Callum also noted that the company plans to intensify efforts to prevent electricity theft.