JPS spends millions on electricity theft

The Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) said it is spending up to US$500 million a year to contain electricity theft.



This is equivalent to $35.5 billion.



According to the Head of corporate communications at the JPS, Winsome Callum, for first time in years, electricity theft was slightly reduced in 2007.



Ms. Callum said last year, the JPS recorded a one percent drop in electricity theft, which accounted for $4.8 billion in losses.



She also said for the two previous years, electricity theft increased by two percent.



Of this amount, the JPS absorbed $2.8 billion, while the remaining $2 billion was passed on to consumers.



Ms. Callum said the JPS is seeking to become more efficient through a scheduled retirement of its generating units.



She said the current set is to be done away with in 2015.