We must move quickly on energy

As has been reported by this newspaper, Energy Minister Phillip Paulwell has received the endorsement of several influential figures for his proposed policy of allowing power generators, themselves, to decide on the fuel of their choice in new facilities.

The assumption is that electricity generators will produce the most economic fuel source, subject to some oversight by the industry's regulator. The result, it is argued, would be lower energy costs to the Jamaican economy.

Indeed, there is consensus that energy can be the game-changer for Jamaica. Energy represents a significant portion of the cost of the country's economic output, but at US$0.40 per kilowatt-hour, it is uncompetitive with regional partners. So, action on the matter is necessary and urgent.

But the devil, they say, is in the details. Mr Paulwell must move quickly on any project that is ready to go, publish a Green Paper on his new initiatives, and signal a time frame and credible indicators for a change in Jamaica's energy profile.

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