JPS to hire more contractors for managing distribution system
LIGHT AND power company Jamaica Public Service (JPS) plans to hire additional maintenance firms to manage its distribution system which includes high-power wires, transformers and over 300,000 poles.
JPS operations are split between distribution, transmission, and generation activities. Geographically it divides t he island into three regions and already relies on “numerous small, local contractors” to maintain its distribution infrastructure across the regions, the company stated in its document. The company also stated that it wants bidders to maintain one of all three of its zones.
The utility is one of the nation’s largest companies, having generated over US$880 million in revenue over nine months between January and September 2023.
“JPS is soliciting information related to engaging an experienced electric utility maintenance firm for the maintenance of the electricity distribution system in one or more regions of Jamaica. This should include the ability to work on de-energised, as well as energised circuits for planned and unplanned situations,” according to JPS in its latest request for proposal posted to its website.
The distribution system includes over 323,600 poles – both wooden and concrete; over 41,300 transformers; and over 20,130 kilometres of primary and secondary distribution lines, the company stated.
The tender, the latest on JPS’ website, was not linked to any incident. Earlier in the week, however, Garth McLean, a resident of St Ann, was electrocuted while walking to work. A JPS downed wire was found along his path, according to reports.
McLean’s death was the fourth death that made headlines from electrical shock over the last two years. Two of the four were reportedly JPS subcontractors.
The Sunday Gleaner was awaiting responses to queries from JPS up to print deadline.
The sole distributor of electricity in Jamaica, JPS generates its own power at 513 megawatts (MW), but also purchases power from independent power producers (IPPs). JPS and IPPs create a network of 1041 MW.
Asia-based Marubeni Corporation of Japan and East West Power Company (EWP) of Korea are majority shareholders that hold a combined 80 per cent, with the government of Jamaica holding some 19.9 per cent, and a small group of minority shareholders owning the remaining shares.
The utility serves some 680,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customers through a workforce of close to 1,500.