JPS nets more than 1,000 pounds of illegal connections in east Kingston

After soaking up widespread criticism for passing on losses from electricity theft to paying customers, the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPSCo) on Friday reported a serious crackdown on persons in sections of Kingston who are illegally encroaching on its power lines.

In an operation in east Kingston earlier this week, JPS crews removed 1,235 pounds of illegal connections. The wires were taken from a number of areas including Bundy Lane, Deanery Road, St Albans Lane, Bower Bank, Rae Town, Tower Street, Hanover Street, and Hannah Street. Two arrests were made. The company said that the operations were part of the ongoing fight against electricity theft.

Other communities from which JPS teams have also recently removed hundreds of illegal connections are Riverton City and surrounding areas Olympic Gardens and Bayshore Heights in the Corporate Area.

While the removal of throw-ups remains a critical part of the company’s strategy to fight against theft, the JPS said it is also addressing the problem on other fronts. This includes the use of advanced technology to help detect more sophisticated forms of theft as well as working in socio-economically challenged areas, through its Community Renewal Programme, to help those who need guidance and assistance to become legal customers.

“Electricity theft is the result of many factors, and the truth is it will also require the coordination and partnership of several stakeholders to successfully address the issue. This is true of virtually any crime in society. On the one hand, there are people who require social support, and on the other hand, there are those who have the means but who have no regard for the law,” said Ramsay McDonald, JPS senior vice-president, customer services.

The JPS is appealing to persons who are not legal customers to call 888-CALLJPS or to contact the company via its social-media platform @myjpsonline for more information on regularising their service.

The Gleaner reported last week that inner-city residents have also complained that they, too, have to deal with electricity theft as persons living in their communities throw up wires on their legal connections, leading to disruptions of electricity from the JPS.