Amnesty programme for illegal connections
published: Thursday | April 6, 2006

The Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) yesterday launched an amnesty programme for people with illegal connections. Photographed at the launch, held at JPS headquarters, Knutsford Boulevard, New Kingston are Thomas Dorsey (left), senior vice-president of customer operations, Swee Chua (centre) vice-president commercial services, and Danny Nembhard, vice-president of Power Delivery. - WINSTON SILL/ FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER

JPS is offering a 30-day grace period from next Monday until May 9 in an attempt to reduce the 12 per cent of electricity which it claims is being stolen. Those with illegal connections will be allowed to connect legally without fear of prosecution. JPS said it is chiefly targeting customers who were disconnected for non-payment of their light bill.

They will also be offering rewards for informing on illegal connections.

ACCORDING TO JPS THE BENEFITS OF THE AMNESTY ARE AS FOLLOWS:

JPS will not press charges.

There will be no back-billing for electricity consumed illegally.

No additional deposit.

Payment plans for arrears will be worked out on a case-by-case basis.