Vaz: Gov't not ruling out new operators for JPS if it gets better deal

  

Energy Minister Daryl Vaz has indicated that the government will find new operators of the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) if it fails to get a more reasonable deal with the current operator of the power company. 

 

There has been much debate about the future of the light and power company following Mr. Vaz's announcement on Tuesday, the government will not renew the JPS distribution licence when it expires on July 8, 2027 under the current terms. 

 

Speaking on Radio Jamaica's Hotline on Friday, Mr. Vaz insisted that the government is determined to negotiate new and better terms if it means finding new operators.

 

"Anybody that comes to the table has to come to the table to talk to me about a brand new licence. And I am going to the table without being disadvantaged, as has happened in the past. I am going to get the best deal however I need to get it. So that answers your question that I am not limited to the existing licensee, neither am I limited to one or two. I am going to go to the world," the minister told Hotline host Emily Shields. 

 

"Whatever the process is that is stipulated in the procurement guidelines, I'm guided by that. But I'm just saying to you that I'm not going to negotiate with a particular party. Whatever it is, I'm going to see what is out there in 2025 to 2027; what is the best for Jamaica and the Jamaican people," he added. 

 

Mr. Vaz said he is hoping to get a response from the management of JPS this month. 

 

"The letter has been sent to them following the licence requirement, and that is the first. And I'm not prepared to go to a second step or a third step until such time as I know exactly what the response of the current licensee is. And that is only fair, equitable and just."

 

Asked what would happen if JPS does not respond by the end of July, the minister said he would write back to the company. But if there is still no response forthcoming, "I move on", he said.