The Editor, Sir:

I read Charmalee Frankson's letter advising the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) to start putting their lines underground, and I am in total agreement with her suggestion.

I would go further to suggest that the JPS should take a serious look at using rubber-covered wires (that is if they choose to continue using the overhead system) and digital meters.

Swipe metres

These meters come with a swipe card that the customer uses to purchase electricity from an office via a computer. The value of the amount of electricity purchased is programmed into the card, and the customer enters that information into the meter, which then records the amount of electricity. The customer then uses his electricity as he sees fit and when it is finished he buys more.

This system eliminates the decades-long problem of overcharging that customers complain of about the JPS.

In short, the customer uses what he pays for. It would also eliminate the need for the meter readers, thus cutting operational costs significantly.

The rubber-coated wires reduce the possibility of electricity theft. I have seen these in Sudan, which, until fairly recently, when they discovered oil) was a poor Third World country like Jamaica . I don't see why we cannot do it.

I am, etc.,

EGLON SAMUELS

sleumas_ge@yahoo.com.