JPS digital meter
Electricity thieves have gone hi-tech as they try to counter the Jamaica Public Service Company's JPS, multi-million dollar anti-theft initiative.
The power company has confirmed an increase in the discovery of sophisticated meter bypass devices used to steal electricity.
A statement from the JPS says investigations carried out last week in the Corporate Area and St. Catherine led to the discovery of the devices hidden in various parts of houses including ceilings and kitchen enclosures.
The equipment are used by JPS customers to conceal some or all of their electricity consumption.
JPS Corporate Communications Officer, Audrey Williams, says this has prompted the company to mount an aggressive crackdown.
The utility company is spending 30 million US dollars on its anti-theft initiative.
It involves the installation of special systems in communities with high levels of electricity theft, account audits, investigations, removal of illegal lines, and facilitating arrests by the police.
JPS states that on Thursday it discovered 17 irregularities and removed 84 “throw-up" lines in the Waterhouse community.
It also found 37 active meters with no account holders.
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