Jamaica seeks cheaper energy after high electricity billsCEFR A1
10 Jan 2025
Adapted from Guest Contributor, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Kenrick Baksh, Unsplash
- A hurricane hit Jamaica last July and caused damage.
- Many people noticed their electricity bills became much higher.
- Customers said JPS charged them too much.
- The energy minister asked for a review of bills.
- The regulator recommended some customers pay less next month.
- A bar owner said the high bills hurt business.
- Jamaica wants to use more renewable energy like solar.
- Experts said ocean power needs large international funding first.
Difficult words
- hurricane — A very strong storm that makes much wind
- damage — Harm or loss to things or property
- regulator — A group or person who checks rules
- review — A careful check of something, like bills
- renewable — Energy from nature that can be used again
- funding — Money provided for a project or activity
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you ever paid a high electricity bill?
- Do you like the idea of using solar energy?
- Have you ever experienced a big storm?
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