JPS CEO: Full underground power grid too costly for Jamaica

While the widespread destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa has intensified calls for underground electricity infrastructure, Jamaica Public Service (JPS) CEO Hugh Grant says the cost and complexity mean only targeted areas are likely to benefit in the near future.

Speaking at a media briefing in Negril, Westmoreland, on Sunday, Grant acknowledged that Jamaica’s grid was originally built to withstand a Category 3 hurricane, but rising storm intensity raises urgent questions. He noted the resilience advantages of underground networks but warned that Jamaica would face a massive financial burden to fully convert.

“I operated in New York for over 25 years. One of the largest underground infrastructure is more than 100,000 miles, so I know underground systems very well. I’ve built them, and I’ve operated them,” he said.

However, he noted: “Underground systems come at a tremendous cost. The cost to underground the system here is going to be more than 10 times the cost that we have right now.”

He added that underground networks require expensive maintenance and fault-detection technologies.

Grant suggested a targeted approach.

“Right now, I think the opportunity here in Jamaica is to have what I call selective underground. We can look at some major corridors, or we can look at some critical facilities, and then partner to figure out how could we selectively underground,” the JPS CEO stated.

For example, he states that the Norman Manley Boulevard in Negril is one corridor that could be considered.

Meanwhile, Grant also outlined the severe damage sustained at the Paradise substation in Westmoreland, describing it as a central point in the electricity restoration efforts following Hurricane Melissa.

He said the substation – located in one of the hardest-hit areas – suffered significant structural impact, including the loss of a major transformer.

“One of our major transformers ... was damaged due to the hurricane,” he said. “But I saw the team there, several crews working to get the Paradise substation up and running as soon as possible. So we’re working on some parallel paths.”

He explained that restoration is proceeding in stages: first bringing power back into substations, then preparing those substations to receive supply, and finally, repairing and reconnecting distribution lines to deliver electricity to communities.

“And we’re working all those three things in parallel.”

EXTENT OF DAMAGE

The CEO emphasised the extent of the destruction, particularly along the line connecting Paradise to Bogue. Nearly 200 structures support that corridor, and more than half – many in steep terrain – were downed by the hurricane. He said teams are exploring “creative solutions” to prioritise one line from Orange Bay into Paradise that would help ramp up the electricity supply to Westmoreland, once restored.

JPS reports that 74 per cent of customers have now been returned to service. After Hurricane Melissa, more than 540,000 customers were without electricity; about 360,000 have since been restored, leaving roughly 180,000 still without power.

Grant noted that in some communities, such as Bluefields, every line is down and access is difficult, slowing repairs.

He also responded to concerns about communication and service during the restoration period.

“I would say we are committed to whatever we have restored. We’re working as best as possible to keep that in service and continue to build out. The reality is, however, that the focus is on restoration and rebuilding as safely and as quickly as possible. So, after this, we will come through and do what I call some mop-up work to then fortify the facilities that we have put in,” he said.

Meanwhile, on the issue of funding, he acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge.

“Funding is a real concern, and we are partnering and working with the Government and other stakeholders to address [it].”

mickalia.kington@gleanerjm.com