The Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) is to remove service wires and meters from the premises of customers whose power supply has been disconnected.

The new effort will form part of the light and power company's renewed drive to reduce electricity theft.

In a release, JPS said it would seize the service wires and meters from locations where delinquent customers have balances outstanding for more than 30 days.

The JPS also stated that it would remove the wires and meters from any property once a customer requests that supply at that location be disconnected.

Regular inspection

Additionally, the utility company will be conducting an inspection of accounts that show zero consumption for prolonged periods, and remove or replace these meters whenever necessary.

David Geddes, director of consumer and public affairs at the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR), said he was aware of losses incurred by JPS as a result of electricity theft.

"The OUR position is that the utility companies - National Water Commission or JPS - must implement measures to reduce theft. We encourage them to find innovative measures to reduce losses," Geddes said, noting that the measures announced by JPS would be examined to determine whether any consumer rights were being violated.

The utility company currently loses approximately 13 per cent of electricity generated to theft.

The OUR position is that the utility companies must implement measures to reduce theft.