The Editor, Sir:

It has been reported in the media that it is costing taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars annually for utilities acquired through illegal means; and further that the cost of stolen electricity is an expense borne by the Jamaica Public Service and legal paying customers.

As damning as this disclosure is, though quite frankly not at all astounding, as a legal paying customer to the JPS, I must ask; why are bill-paying customers required to pay for expenses incurred by the utility company? The battle between the light and power company and those that steal electricity should involve just those two groups and should in no way involve the already overburdened and legitimate customers of the JPS.

Proactive

The Jamaica Public Service needs to stop this practice and fully absorb its own expense and become more proactive in its drive to rid itself of illegal connections that are costing the company millions. What is also needed is a collaborative approach between the light and power company and the Government to come up with more practical and stringent strategies to deal with the problem of illegal connections. Whether it is going to involve stricter penalties (fines and prison terms) and the actual enforcement of the law, it is for them to decide.

We now have a government that has the "political will" to get things right in this country; they need to provide an environment for companies like the Jamaica Public Service to operate in, so that they can desist from burdening taxpayers anymore than we are already burdened.

I am, etc.,

A. GENIUS

aldrane.genius@gmail.com