The Jamaica Manufacturers’ Association (JMA) is hoping the Energy Minister Philip Paulwell will present a clear plan to address the challenges facing the energy sector when he makes his contribution to the Budget Debate in Parliament this afternoon. 

 

Paulwell is expected to address efforts to reduce the country’s energy bill and to revive the country’s bauxite sector. 

 

JMA President Brian Pengelley says he’s also expecting Paulwell to say how the government plans to use solar and other renewable sources in the energy mix. 

 

He says he’s also looking forward to hearing an update on the 360 megawatt project which is part of efforts to reduce the energy bill. 

 

The Office of Utilities Regulation has already submitted its recommendation to the energy minister on the source of energy to be used for the project. 

 

The JMA President says he supports the proposal that a special Energy Support Fund be created to provide grants and low cost loans to tax compliant small and medium-sized manufacturers for retooling for energy efficiency. 

 

The suggestion was made by Opposition Spokesman on Finance, Audley Shaw during the Budget Debate yesterday afternoon. 

 

Pengelley believes the proposal is worth pursuing.

 

Source: Go-Jamaica.com