JPS customers approved to sell excess electricity

This arrangement took effect early this month after the Office of Utilities Regulations approved a contract by the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) Company.

KINGSON, Jamaica, Wednesday October 12, 2011 – Jamaica Public Service (JPS) Company customers, who generate their own electricity from renewable sources, have been given the green light to sell excess power to the national grid.

This took effect October 3, and follows approval by the Office of Utilities Regulations (OUR) of a Standard Offer Contract by JPS - the country’s sole electricity distributor.

A notice issued by the regulatory agency explained that JPS customers can sell up to 100kW of excess energy to the national grid under the net billing arrangement.

This is being facilitated by the All-Island Electric Licence, 2001 Act, which establishes the framework for the planning and implementation of incremental additions of generation capacity to the national electric grid.

The notice states that the license to generate and supply power below 100 kilowatts to the Public Electricity System would be valid for 5 years, and the licensee must comply with the terms and conditions of connection with the Public Electricity Supply System.

The licensee further states that resolution to any dispute between the parties may be referred to the regulatory authority.

The license will become null and void if the terms and conditions are breached, it is operated unsafely, or if it is not installed within a year of installation of the necessary infrastructure.

JPS has nearly 600,000 customers with more than 620 megawatts generation capacity. It also purchases additional electricity from four Independent Power Producers, according to information from the company website. Click here to receive free news bulletins via email from Caribbean360. (View sample)