FOR THE record, I wish to correct two errors carried in Gleaner reports this week:

(1) On Monday, July 27, an article mentioned "JPS Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA) of the United Arab Emirates, which recently acquired an 80 per cent stake in the JPS". This is incorrect.

Earlier this year, Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA) acquired only a half of the 80 per cent of JPS previously owned by Marubeni Caribbean Power Holdings. Both companies now jointly own 80 per cent of JPS.

(2) In Tuesday's paper (July 28), you incorrectly indicated that "JPS has submitted an application for an increase in electricity rates in response to the rising costs associated with fuel and foreign exchange".

Review of non-fuel rates

The fact is that JPS's application is not about fuel or foreign exchange - these are adjusted monthly, as the cost of fuel increases or decreases, and as the value of the Jamaican dollar changes in relation to its United States counterpart.

The company's application is for a review of the non-fuel rates, or the base energy rates, which have remained relatively flat since the 2004 rate review. The non-fuel rates are reset once every five years based on the actual cost of operating the business.

JPS is required to submit an application to the Office of Utitilities Regulation (OUR) every five years for a rate review, in keeping with the provisions of its operating licence. The OUR's ruling on this application will determine the viability of the company and set the basis for the quality of service to be provided for the next five years.

I am, etc.,

WINSOME CALLUM

Head, Corporate

Communications

Jamaica Public Service

Knutsford Boulevard

Kingston