PCJ clarifies involvement in development of the Integrated Resource Plan

THE EDITOR, Sir:

WE WRITE in response to concerns raised in the local media about the possible involvement of the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica (PCJ) in the development of the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) for the electricity sector, given PCJ’s position as parent company of Wigton Windfarm Limited.

We think it is prudent to clarify that the PCJ itself is not involved in the development of the IRP.

That process is being spearheaded by the Ministry of Science, Energy and Technology (MSET). MSET is receiving support from multilateral institutions to strengthen its technical capabilities to enhance its energy planning functions, which should accelerate the completion of the IRP.

This support is being provided under the Energy Management and Efficiency Programme (EMEP) for which the PCJ is serving as implementing agency. The EMEP itself is being managed by a Project Executing Unit and while that unit is assisting with the administrative process of filling the position of IRP Project Manager, the successful candidate will be assigned to MSET.

In addition, we must also remind the public that the Government of Jamaica (GOJ) is now in the process of divesting Wigton Windfarm Limited, which means that the company is slated to become a private entity.

It is anticipated that the divestment will be completed before the end of the second quarter of 2019. We hope this will assuage any concerns on these matters. BRIAN RICHARDSON Group General Manager (Acting) Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica