JPS steps up streetlight repairs

As part of ongoing efforts to improve its service, the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) has significantly stepped up the repair of malfunctioning streetlights, the company has announced.



Since the start of the year, the company has repaired 3,682 streetlights across the island, JPS said in a statement.



The company said it is making every effort to respond quickly to customers and parish councils reports about inoperative streetlights in order to carry out repairs within the 14 days agreed on as part of its performance standards.



In the meantime, JPS said it is working with the Ministry of Local Government to finalize a memorandum of understanding and centralized streetlight database, which will facilitate joint audits of streetlights in each parish, and the implementation of a more effective streetlight repair programme.



One of the JPS’ primary objectives is to eliminate day burning lamps, wherever possible, the statement said, noting that the failure of photocells is the primary cause of day burning lamps.



JPS explains that the photocell controls the on/off function of the lamps, and is designed to fail in “safe mode”, so the lamps stay on rather than lose the service altogether.



However, it said day burning lamps contribute to overall energy loss, which the company is actively working to reduce.



“It is important to note also, that each streetlight is billed for 12 hours of operation per day, based on the expectation that they will operate from dusk to dawn,” said the statement.



JPS has responsibility for the repair and replacement of streetlights. However, parish councils determine when and where new streetlights are installed.



There are approximately 96,000 streetlights across the island. Most are located in Kingston & St Andrew, and St Catherine.



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