Effective tomorrow, Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) customers who pay their bills by the due date will get $250 off their next bill.

This early payment incentive is one of several new initiatives being introduced by the JPS to improve service to customers. The JPS has advised that customers whose deposits are equal to one month's bill will have up to 15 days before they become liable for disconnection.

The company is, however, urging customers to pay their bills by the due date in order to avoid having to pay a late fee of $250 plus GCT, or a disconnection fee of $1,400 plus GCT.

"Our aim is to strengthen the partnership with our customers," explained Winsome Callum, JPS head of corporate communications. "We know that one of the worst things for customers is to have their power disconnected, so we're aiming to make disconnection a last resort. Customers who provide their mobile numbers will get text messages when the bills are generated, and reminders when the bills are overdue. Also, many customers are now choosing to get their bills by email. It's faster and more convenient," she said.

The JPS has also relaunched its website, which now has an easy-payment option to allow customers to pay their bills online. "These are just some of the improved service options that we'll be rolling out to customers over the next few months,"Callum said.