JPS to pump $17b into strengthening power grid
Published:Monday | December 9, 2024 | 12:10 AMJanet Silvera/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
The Jamaica Public Service (JPS) says it plans to invest J$17 billion in infrastructure upgrades in 2025 as part of its efforts to improve the country’s power grid.
According to the light and power company, the investment will focus on reinforcing transmission and distribution systems by replacing poles, strengthening power lines, and advancing smart-grid technology to enhance network resilience and ensure faster response to service interruptions.
Speaking at the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry 92nd Annual Awards Banquet, JPS President Hugh Grant outlined the company’s vision to modernise its infrastructure and expand renewable energy capacity over the next four years. Recognising the growing impact of climate change, Grant emphasised the importance of building resilience in the face of increasingly severe weather conditions.
“As Jamaica’s primary energy provider, JPS holds an immense responsibility to power the nation’s economic growth. We don’t take this lightly,” Grant declared even while revealing that his first months as president were a “baptism of fire”.
Acknowledging the company’s shortcomings in delivering consistent service in the past, he reassured members of the business community that significant strides were being made to improve reliability and performance.
“Let’s be honest, though. Despite our efforts, we’re not where we want to be yet. Have we always delivered on our commitments? No. Have we always provided the consistent service you deserve? Unfortunately, not. But this is changing. I give you my commitment this evening that we will be making even greater strides in improving our performance as your energy partner,” Grant stated.
Power-supply consistency
Grant also sought to address the critical need for power-supply consistency, a major concern for businesses and households alike. Power outages and poor-quality electricity have been known to disrupt economic activity, creating ripple effects across the nation.
In recent months, the JPS has made progress in restoring grid reliability, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, he told the gathering, adding that the company had brought in mutual-aid resources from other Caribbean nations to expedite recovery efforts.
He said the JPS is implementing a three-pronged strategy to enhance reliability, namely, prevention – strengthening infrastructure to reduce the likelihood of outages; mitigation – developing solutions to minimise the impact of disruptions; and response - enhancing systems to restore power swiftly when outages occur.
Grant acknowledged the high cost of electricity in Jamaica and the challenges customers face due to fuel-driven price fluctuations. He revealed that the JPS is working with the Office of Utilities Regulation to explore solutions, including a revamped tariff structure.
The proposed changes include a more robust time-of-use facility, allowing customers to benefit from lower rates during off-peak hours. The JPS is also pushing for the electrification of transportation, highlighting how the adoption of electric vehicles could drive demand and lead to overall rate reductions. Additionally, Grant advocated for cost-reflective tariffs to reduce cross-subsidisation and improve fairness across rate classes.
In alignment with Jamaica’s clean-energy goals, he noted that the JPS is expanding its renewable energy portfolio.
“Over the next four years, our plan is to introduce 133 megawatts of solar energy and over 170 megawatts of battery storage to the grid. These additions aim to increase energy security while lowering dependence on fossil fuels.”
Grant highlighted the complexity of incorporating renewable energy into the national grid and stressed the need for investment in energy-storage solutions.
“The addition of renewables to a national grid is a complex matter that if not done properly, could cause significant instability and network collapse. That’s why we have to prioritise investment in grid resilience as well as in energy storage for those days when the wind and sunshine are not available,” he said.
According to him, the JPS’s multibillion-dollar investment comes at a critical time as Jamaica grapples with the dual challenges of climate change and rising electricity costs.