Newly appointed president and CEO of the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS), Steve Berberich, paid a courtesy call earlier in September on Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie.  

Berberich, an internationally recognised industry expert, who has been at the helm of the island’s electric utility for approximately three months, shared his vision for increased use of renewable energy, electric transportation and improved reliability of service to customers. 

The discussion also touched on the matter of access to electricity by all, including the country’s most vulnerable, thereby reducing electricity theft. 

Referring to increased use of renewables, the JPS head noted that among other things, it would help to create a long term hedge against erratic fuel movements, thus protecting customers. 

Minister McKenzie for his part, recognised significant improvements in service, including streetlight repairs, however he did express some concerns about power reliability. 

In responding, Berberich shared his commitment to more proactive management of the grid, improved vegetation management and increased manpower availability.  He also noted that electricity theft is one of the factors which pose a challenge to the reliability of the supply. 

McKenzie, who also expressed concern about the issue of theft, emphasised his strong support for regularization, noting that the matter should be further explored. 

The growing global trend of electric transportation, was also a point of discussion, with the JPS chief executive noting that the addition of electric buses to the public transport fleet would be a good initiative for all involved. 

He also gave assurances that the trend could be locally supported with charging infrastructure, in addition to the charging equipment supplied by vehicle dealers.   

Both leaders have committed to ongoing collaboration.   

JPS has been carrying out extensive improvements to the network, while investing in innovative technologies and expanding customer solutions.