The Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) has committed US$4 million ($264 million) towards upgrading its electrical distribution infrastructure in north western Jamaica, owing to a spike in demand stemming from two major hotel projects and several housing developments surrounding Montego Bay.

According to a press statement made by the company yesterday, upgrade work has begun in parts of St. James and Trelawny "to facilitate an expected increase in power demands in western Jamaica".

"The upgrade, valued at US$4 million is an investment by the company resulting primarily from population growth, new investments and an increase in commercial activity in the area," said the release.

Investments

Among these 'investments' are the luxury condominium Palmyra Resorts and Spanish hotel, Iberostar Hotel and Resorts, both located in Rose Hall, Montego Bay, along with a commercial centre and a number of major housing developments, all scheduled for completion in 2006.

The upgrade will include the upgrading of two substations and feeders, located in Rose Hall and Greenwood.

Implementation of the project started in February 2006 and is scheduled to be completed by January 2007.

The upgrading activity is expected to disrupt JPS supply to customers, who may experience a maximum of four all-day outages and a number of short outages for the duration of the project, the power supplier said.