Avia Collinder, Sunday Gleaner Writer

FACED WITH rising electricity bills, consumers have reduced their energy consumption by 11 per cent for the last two years, negatively impacting the revenue of power supplier, Jamaica Public Service (JPS).

During the financial year ended December 31, 2007, the JPS recorded a net loss of $515 million. This was attributable to a number of factors, including decline in consumption, especially by residential customers, JPS representatives tell The Sunday Gleaner. The average consumption per residential customer has fallen over the last two years from 191 kWh per month on average in 2005, to 170 kWh on average for 2007.

factors influencing reduction

This reduction in demand, company sources explain, could be due to a number of factors, including the conservation efforts of consumers.

Other factors contributing to the lost revenues are costs associated with Hurricane Dean, electricity theft, foreign-exchange losses and the Industrial Disputes Tribunal-ordered settlement in relation to payroll expenses.

In response to the decline in revenue, the company says it is taking steps to improve its operational efficiency and address the problem of electricity theft.

Information submitted to The Sunday Gleaner by the company revealed that approximately 22 per cent of the electricity generated is lost (system losses).