The Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) was again forced into carrying out load shedding across the island yesterday, as several generating units failed, while several remained out for planned maintenance.

JPS advised customers to monitor the radio for updates.

The monopoly utility took similar action two weeks ago under an almost identical scenario. Then as again yesterday, the failures also affected independent power producers (IPPs), contracted to supply JPS.

Technical problems

JPS's installed capacity of 33 per cent exceeds the minimum reserve capacity of 25 per cent. However, the utility company regularly carries out load shedding in response to technical problems.

Load shedding is when the utility cuts off or 'sheds' power to avoid uncontrolled power cuts forced by a loss in generating capacity. The cuts are rotated across the island to share the impact.

The remaining stake in JPS is being sold by the United States-based Mirant Corporation to Marubeni of Japan.