The Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) is refuting claims by the Energy Ministry about the quality of service its provides to its customers ahead of its appearance before Cabinet on Monday.
The utility company has expressed surprise that the ministry issued a news release, which it says contained inaccuracies, and after it tried unsuccessfully for months to convene a meeting to discuss the issues highlighted.
In a news release, the JPS said it wanted to address matters of national importance that have the potential to significantly impact the cost of electricity and the reliability of supply.
These include how the Energy Ministry could help fight the theft of electricity; a national response to soaring global fuel prices; a path to the addition of renewable generation; and the impact of supply chain upheavals on the sector.
Responding to claims made by the ministry, the JPS said it was not aware of 100,000 customers waiting to be connected to the grid and stated that its records show just under 1,000 outstanding new applications for service.
It explained that the applications have been delayed by global supply chain challenges that have resulted in a shortage of key equipment such as conductors, transformers, poles and insulators.
As it relates to unplanned power outages,the JPS said there can be no guarantee of uninterruptible supply in the face of uncontrollable factors such as weather conditions, motor vehicle accidents and equipment failure.
It pointed to challenges in installing, upgrading, repairing and maintaining equipment due to mountainous terrain, landslides and bad road conditions.
Turning to the relocation of 100 poles, the JPS said it has made significant progress with the removal of a number of its Transmission and Distribution poles to facilitate the South Coast Highway Improvement Project.
Some 440 poles along the entire project area have reportedly been relocated with the focus now on the final 108 poles.
According to the JPS, the relocation should be completed by the end of this month.
The Energy Ministry has said when JPS officials appear before Cabinet on Monday, it expects details on plans to compensate people who have suffered damage or loss of income due to long or unplanned power outages.
Other issues on the agenda include measures to ensure electricity stability as the hurricane season progresses, delays in adding new customers to the grid, persistent and unscheduled power outages, and the relocation of poles.
The JPS is also expected to provide a supply chain assessment report on the impact of the challenges being encountered in the construction industry.
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