The Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) is an independent regulatory body established by the Office of Utilities Regulation Act 1995, with operations commencing in January 1997. The OUR is the multi-utility regulator responsible for the regulation and monitoring of prescribed utility service sectors including electricity, telecommunications, and water and sewerage, in accordance with the OUR Act. The Office comprises six members appointed by the Governor General, with the Director General serving as an ex-officio member.
The OUR also provides an avenue of appeal for consumers with grievances against utility providers while ensuring fair, independent, and transparent regulation that benefits all stakeholders.
For the 2026/27 financial year, the OUR will continue to align service provider behaviour with the public interest across its regulated sectors. In telecommunications, the OUR will advance Phase II of the number portability project and assess network capacity to support enhanced access to emergency services. In the electricity sector, it will provide analytical support for the renegotiation of the Jamaica Public Service Company Limited’s licence and conduct tariff projection valuations relating to the Jamaica Energy Partners Power Purchase Agreement. In the water and sewerage sector, the OUR will develop a K-Factor regulatory model for the National Water Commission and produce a working document to strengthen oversight of private water and sewerage service providers.
The OUR forecasts a net surplus of $11.83 million for 2026/27.
