Exorbitant inspection fee stifling small homeowners

23rd February 2022 in News

Dear Editor:

The Ministry of Science, Energy and Technology (MSET) is mindful of increasing concerns in the public space, as it pertains to excessive costs being charged by some Private Electrical Inspectors.

The Ministry is quite disheartened by the current state of affairs and therefore wishes to provide a formal response to these concerns, specifically, to the content of the editorial entitled “Exorbitant inspection fee stifling small homeowners”, published in The Gleaner on February 19, 2022.

The Ministry would like to ease the frustration of current and potential homeowners, as well as increase the information available in the public domain as to the roles and functions of the Government Electrical Regulator (GER).

It is anticipated that this response to the article in question, will be given priority in its placement in the interest of your readers and that of the Jamaican populace.

On November 1, 2021 the GER became fully operational, facilitating the closure of the Government Electrical Inspectorate (GEI) and the institution of a new system to regulate the electrical installation and inspection processes in Jamaica. Specifically, the GER has been mandated to:

regulate the electrical installation and inspection processes;
register Electricians;
enroll Technical Electrical Assistants;
license Private Electrical Inspectors; and
ensure safe electrical installations throughout the island.

The legislation establishing the GER also contains provisions which govern the professional conduct of electricians and private electrical inspectors, as well as avenues for making complaints to the Regulator.

Members of the public with concerns related to the conduct of Registered Electricians and Private Electrical Inspectors, are invited to file a complaint in writing with the GER, by sending an email to the Customer Affairs Manager at

klake@mset.gov.jm . Complaints can also be lodged via phone at 876–276-7530 or 876-934-6496. The filing of formal complaints will allow the GER to effect its regulatory and investigative powers which aim to:

determine the legitimacy of complaints;
consult with aggrieved parties;
and recommend to the Minister where necessary, actions inclusive of the revocation or suspension of licences.

The Ministry wishes to make clear that it is by no means in support of the charging of exorbitant fees for inspections, and uses this opportunity to also respond to repeated calls for the establishment of a fee schedule to govern the cost for private inspections.

The Government of Jamaica is of the view, that the implementation of a fee schedule would prove detrimental to the free enterprise system which is being used to govern the marketplace. The Government is cognizant of the general application of supply and demand as a function of price and sees what is being experienced as a very unfortunate yet short-term reaction to the privatisation of the inspection function.

As the number of inspectors increases over time however, it is anticipated that the market will adjust and create a rational equilibrium price. Currently, there exists a pool of ninety- eight (98) Private Electrical Inspectors; this number is set to increase rapidly, based on an application process which accepts and processes applications on a year-long basis.

While the market continues to adjust, the Ministry is making a public appeal to all licensed inspectors to be considerate in the fees being charged, especially in light of the increased hardships being faced by Jamaicans, brought on by the effects of COVID-19.

The GER is also actively monitoring the unfolding situation in the marketplace and will make further recommendations to the Minister. In this regard, the Ministry wishes to put on record that it is not afraid to act, to ensure that profitability is not excessive or is counterproductive to the performance of other national priorities such as the reduction in household poverty, increasing access to safe electricity, and increasing access to housing.

Members of the public are also being encouraged to visit the GER Resource Center on the Ministry’s website, for a listing complete with contact details and locations of all Registered Electricians and Private Electrical Inspectors, which can aid in comparisons and the negotiation of prices. The GER Resource Centre is accessible via the link https://www.mset.gov.jm/government-electrical-regulator/.

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For More Information Contact:

Ms. Jodi-Ann Reid

Senior Director, Corporate Communications and PR.

Ministry of Science, Energy and Technology

36 Trafalgar Road

Kingston 10

Email: jreid@mset.gov.jm

Tel: (876) 920- 4318

Mr. Seymour Walters

Chief Electrical Regulator

Government Electrical Regulator