Jamaica power system enspire

How does Jamaica's energy system work?

Jamaica's energy system is heavily reliant on imported fossil fuels, with petroleum imports accounting for over 80 percent of electricity production. The country's electricity production is mainly dependent on imported fossil fuels. Here’s a quick glance at how the sector has performed over the last five years.

Can JPS distribute electricity in Jamaica?

While Jamaica has several firms that generate electricity, only JPS can distribute the power, due to its exclusive licence with the Jamaican government as operator of the national grid.

Does Jamaica have an electricity grid?

Jamaica's grid currently provides electricity access to approximately 97% of Jamaican households. The country has an electricity grid with Jamaica Energy Partners, an Independent Power Provider, operating the Doctor Bird Power Plant since October 1995.

Who purchases electricity in Jamaica?

JPS purchases approximately 297 MW of electricity from Independent Power Producers (IPPs) such as Jamaica Energy Partners (JEP), Jamaica Private Power Company (JPPC), Jamalco, and Wigton Wind Farm.

How did Jamaica get electricity?

The journey began when the Jamaica Electric Light Company started to supply electricity from a small coal-burning steam generating plant on Gold Street in Kingston. This was quite an achievement for Kingston, a small island city, then only nineteen years old. At that time, many large British cities were still without electricity.

Who owns Jamaica Private Power Co Ltd?

As of October 30, 2007, Inkia Energy Limited owned Jamaica Private Power Co. Ltd. JPPC operates two 29.8MW slow speed diesel generation units, two heat recovery steam generators, and a 4.2 MW steam turbine generator at a plant located in Kingston, Jamaica. The plant, which is a subsidiary of Inkia Energy Limited, achieved Commercial Operations on January 6, 1998.