THE RISE IN electricity costs has prevented several householders from properly 'lighting up' their homes for this festive season.
Several persons in communities across the island who have become known for decorating their houses 'from pillar to post' will not continue the tradition this year.
Portmore resident Joseph Bonner who has decorated his house year after year and has won competitions with his creative designs said the increasing light bill was the reason he was not 'lighting up his house' this Christmas.
"I will not be putting up my lights because I'm watching my electricity bill this year. I have to see how the things are this year before I decide to do it next year," he said.
Mrs. L. Thomas, a resident of Four Paths, Clarendon, whose house has been an attraction in the community for Christmas, says she will not be decorating her house this year either. Though admitting that crime was her main reason for not joining in the festivities, she was quick to add that the hike in electricity rates also influenced her decision.
She told THE STAR that in order to safely 'string up' her house, she has to apply to the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) to be allowed 'extra current'. This process she says is long and more expensive.
"I have to pay for certification and have a new meter added," she said. She believes that power bills are increased by the company at Christmas time. "Once they know that you have light up, they're going to use it against you and your bill automatically goes up." She added however that people who choose to decorate their homes should anticipate the bills because it is ultimately their choice.
Dean Campbell, another resident of Norwood, St. James said because of the high energy bill he has put off decorating his house until December 20. He said in previous years he would have began decorating at the beginning of December.
"I'm waiting until then because it might make my bill less. This year I'm really watching the bill so I won't put it up for long. When I put it up on December 20 I'm taking it down on December 31," he said.
Other residents also expressed similar sentiments as Campbell. They said the rising electricity cost has caused them to have less 'Christmas cheer' and for shorter periods this year.
Both Bonner and Campbell explained that in previous years they would plug out appliances as they used the lights hence they did not apply for permits to use extra electricity.
When contacted yesterday, Winsome Callum, head of corporate relations for the JPSCo said the number of requests from persons who want additional power supply for the Christmas season is the same as last year. She said so far the company had received no complaints that the high energy bill had dampened their Christmas spirit.
"We haven't had any complaints from our customers with regards to people doing less Christmas tree lighting this year. "We've basically seen the same average in the number of persons applying for electricity to be used temporarily," she said.
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