Dennis Minott | Small axes, bigger impact, greener Jamaica’s futures

As Jamaica stands at the crossroads of its energy future, the call for fairness, resilience, and sustainability is louder than ever. The impending expiration of the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) monopoly presents an unparalleled opportunity to reshape the island’s energy landscape. But this transition demands not just vision — it requires fairness to the JPS, sensitivity to the needs of Jamaicans, and an unwavering commitment to mitigating climate change.

LESSON FROM THE PHILIPPINES

My experience in the Philippines decades ago offers valuable insights. That UNIDO experts’ experience kept my focus on those renewables developments especially in Luzon and Mindanao; I wore a PhilEc hardhat for weeks. There, under the “Retail Competition and Open Access” (RCOA) framework, electricity to the over 2,000 inhabited islands in Mindanao, The Visayas, and Luzon, respectively, power is delivered through three specific island-group grids, but consumers from any island-group can choose their supplier from 25 or more providers. Overall, as of May 2024, the Philippine power sector features a mix of five large conglomerates and over 20 smaller specialised companies that collectively provide power to the three grids in the archipelago.

The focus on increasing renewable energy capacity is also notable as part of the broader strategy to meet rising electricity demands while ensuring sustainability. This system fosters competition, empowers consumers, and drives innovation, all while maintaining grid stability and very cheap power.

For instance, a commercial user, say, “CONalpha,” can contract with a retail provider like ‘17Prov’. Though all electricity flows through the same wires, smart metering ensures that CONalpha is billed based on usage and the agreed-upon rates. The grid operator remains neutral, ensuring reliable delivery regardless of the provider.

This model underscores that fair competition and regulatory oversight can coexist, enabling consumers to benefit from choice and efficiency without sacrificing grid reliability.

WHY REPLACE THE JPS?

The JPS monopoly has long been a source of frustration, characterised by high tariffs, service inefficiencies, and limited innovation. Discontent peaks during natural disasters when power-restoration delays expose the JPS grid’s fragility.

Electricity is the lifeblood of our economy. High energy costs ripple through every sector, from agriculture to manufacturing, stifling economic growth and burdening the most vulnerable. As global energy paradigms shift towards renewables, THE JPS’s reluctance to embrace greener, decentralised solutions highlights the urgency of transition.

But any change must be executed with fairness. The monopoly, entrenched in our history, cannot be dismantled abruptly or without due compensation as stipulated in its licence agreement.

The Biblical ‘Small Axe’: A lesson in humility and justice

Bob Marley’s lyrics, inspired by scripture, resonate deeply in this context:

“If you are the big tree, we are the small axe, sharpened to cut you down.”

Take it away, bredda Luciano!

This sentiment mirrors David’s triumph over Goliath — a victory not born of brute strength, but of faith, preparation, and righteousness. Similarly, Jamaica, though small, must act with wisdom and greener resolve to reshape its energy future, wielding the “small axe” of innovation, policy reform, and community empowerment.

Luciano’s inspiring rendition goes this way:

Why boasteth thyself

Oh, mighty man

Playing smart

And not being clever

Working outquity

To achieve vanity (if a-so a-so)

But the goodness of Jah

I-dureth for-i-ver

If you are the big tree

We are the small axe

Sharpened to cut you down

Ready to cut you down ...

A clever Jamaican’s energy future: principles and pathways

1. Fairness and adequate notice to JPS

The JPS must be treated with respect and fairness. Transitioning away from the monopoly requires clear communication, compensation, and time for adjustment. Abrupt actions could lead to costly legal battles, investor distrust, and disruptions.

2. Protecting Jamaicans from energy shocks

Disruptions in electricity supply during the transition could cripple industries and exacerbate hardships for households. A seamless transition plan is paramount, ensuring continuity and reliability while introducing competition.

3. Transitioning to renewables

Jamaica’s future lies in renewable energy. Solar, wind, hydro, and farmed biomass offer not just environmental benefits but also energy security. Decentralised grids, powered by these sources, can reduce reliance on a single provider and improve disaster resilience.

The JPS must be invited to be part of this transition. Rather than resisting, the company should leverage its expertise to champion renewable initiatives. This is not just a business imperative. It is a moral one in the face of the climate crisis.

4. Introducing competition

Breaking the monopoly does not mean chaos. A regulated framework, akin to the Philippines’ RCOA, can ensure that new entrants operate under fair conditions. Smart metering, grid neutrality, and transparent pricing must be non-negotiable.

5. Community and international partnerships

Decentralised energy systems thrive on local participation. Community-based microgrids and cooperatives can empower Jamaicans to generate their own power, reducing dependence on large providers. International partnerships can provide technical expertise and funding for this transformation.

AVOIDING ‘BILLIONAIRING’ IN ENERGY SECTOR

Jamaica’s energy transition must resist the pitfalls of corporate greed. The term “billionairing” evokes images of profit-maximising entities prioritising their bottom lines over public welfare. JPS and future players must be held accountable to national goals, including affordable tariffs, equitable access, and climate commitments.

This is a moment for the energy sector to align with global efforts to limit temperature rises. It’ is a chance to demonstrate that profit and purpose can coexist.

The road ahead and path to a more clever energy future is neither easy nor swift. But it is necessary. Here are key steps:

Review existing agreements: Audit the JPS’s licence to ensure fair termination and compensation. Transparent negotiations will avoid costly disputes.

Develop regulatory frameworks: Establish robust regulations to govern new entrants, protect consumers, and ensure grid stability.

Educate and engage the public: Inform Jamaicans about the benefits of competition and renewables. Equip them with the tools to participate in this new landscape, from embracing and installing renewables to joining energy cooperatives.

Modernise the grid: Invest in smart technologies to support decentralised power systems and facilitate seamless integration of renewables.

Monitor and adapt: Set performance benchmarks for new providers, regularly evaluate progress, and adjust policies to keep pace with emerging challenges.

Vision for tomorrow: Jamaica’s energy future can be brighter, greener, and more inclusive. By giving the JPS its due respect and compensation, while championing innovation and sustainability, we can transition to a system that serves all Jamaicans.

As Marley sang, “No weak heart shall prosper.” This transformation demands courage, wisdom, and collective action. Let us wield our “small axe” wisely, cutting down inefficiencies and planting the seeds of a renewable energy future.

In this endeavour, may our island not only thrive but also inspire others to rise to the challenge of building a sustainable world without turning to any ‘brinks’ as General Degreee would ‘call them’.

Dennis Minott, PhD, is the CEO of A-QuEST-FAIR. He is a multilingual green resources specialist, a research physicist, and a modest mathematician who worked in the oil and energy sector. Send feedback to a_quest57@yahoo.com or columns@gleanerjm.com.