The Editor, Sir:

For years, JPS customers have been paying for hurricane damage, fuel costs and for persons who decide its better to steal 'light'. Why doesn't the JPS start implementing underground electrical facilities such as is done in First World countries? It may well be quite pricey to implement but the long-term benefits far outweigh the negatives.

A report addressing the "evaluation of the underground electric transmission lines in Virginia" states that the cost of implementing the underground electrical facilities is 10 to four times more than that of the overhead facility.

Benefits

That is understandable but considering the amount of materials that would cost, think of the benefits that could be derived from such venture:

1. a reduction in theft of electricity, primarily.

2. less recovery work to be done after an hurricane because of the lack of poles.

3. less risk of damage, resulting from fire on utility poles.

The aforementioned are the least of what we could benefit from underground transmission electricity. Surely, not all areas of the country would be able to accommodate such a facility, but a start in the most vulnerable areas would be good.

The current implementation of concrete poles is a waste of time and money.

Cutting cost

The underground facilities would still cost a lot more, even after installation, but consumers' bills would eventually go down with a reduction in power outages and electricity theft.

The Jamaica Public service is losing far too much money, each year, to refrain from implementing this system. Cable and Wireless did it, so can they. Give the underground electrical facilities a try. Brazil and most states in the USA did it successfully and efficiently - why can't we? This is certainly one positive thing we can take from other countries.

I am, etc.,

CHARMALEE FRANKSON

cfrankson20@yahoo.com

Kitson Town PA

St Catherine