Beginning in June, the Government will commence accepting bid submissions from investors to develop projects aimed at generating up to 115 megawatts of energy from renewable sources, which could potentially reduce Jamaica
A new entity to replace the Rural Electrification Programme (REP) has been mandated to develop renewable energy solutions for Jamaicans who live too far from the national power
Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller listens as Energy Minister Phillip Paulwell makes his presentation during the Budget Debate yesterday. – Norman Grindley/Chief Photographer
Gary Spaulding,
Grenada is hoping to rely on wind turbines such as these at a section of the Wigton Windfarm in Manchester, for generation of electricity. – File
Grenada says it will use funds provided by the World Bank to facilitate the liberalisation of its electricity sector as part of an initiative being undertaken by other countries within the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
Public Utilities Minister Gregory Bowen told Parliament that EC$1.4 million from the World Bank would be used to facilitate the process.
“I want to assure the nation that a steering committee will be formulated and become active in ensuring we work with the other countries for the liberalisation of the electricity sector,” Bowen said.
He added that initial indications are that once the system remains the same a reduction in electricity rates will not be realised.
Bowen said the wind turbine project in Carriacou will be pursued as an alternative source of energy in Grenada.
“This is a over three million euros grant to Grenada, though the Grenada Electricity Services Company (GRENLEC) is putting some funding into it. But we want to ensure that the lease does not go to the detriment of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique,” Bowen told legislators.
In his budget presentation last month, Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell said his administration would seek to expedite the implementation of a wind-energy project in Carriacou, which is a partnership involving the European Union and GRENLEC.
He said that by using wind turbines the project will meet about 60 per cent of Carriacou’s electricity needs.
“Government is strongly committed to the increased use of renewable energy in Grenada. In this regard, private investment is essential and will be pursued as a major priority,” Mitchell added.
CMC
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Debbie-Ann Wright, News Editor – Radio The National Water Commission (NWC) is advising that frequent fluctuations in the power supply to the Tulloch Springs/Rio Cobre Water Supply System is affecting service to customers in Kingston, St Andrew and St Catherine. The company says the power supply interruptions have worsened the impact of the prolonged drought. It says the mechanical failure at one of the sources has resulted in a shortfall of more than 3 million gallons of water each day on the Tulloch Springs/Rio Cobre Water Supply System. It says some customers in Kingston, St Andrew and St Catherine either have no water, intermittent supply or are experiencing low water pressure. The areas affected include sections of Portmore, downtown Kingston, communities off Washington Boulevard, Molynes Road, and Spanish Town Road. The NWC says the problem has been reported to the Jamaica Public Service and work is being done to return to normal operation in the shortest possible time. Read more:
CARICOM — —————————- This is a Summary of the CARICOM Energy Policy which was approved by the Forty-First The Goal/ Vision of the CARICOM Energy Policy Fundamental transformation of the energy sectors of the Member States of the Community through the provision of secure and sustainable supplies of energy in a manner which minimizes energy waste in all sectors, to ensure that all CARICOM citizens have access to modern, clean and reliable energy supplies at affordable and stable prices, and to facilitate the growth of internationally competitive Regional industries towards achieving sustainable development of the Community OBJECTIVES OF CARICOM ENERGY POLICY In fulfillment of the Goal /Vision of the CARICOM Energy Policy and to assure access to (a) sustainable and secure energy supplies through diversification of energy sources; Quantitative Regional level targets for sustainable energy will be established in the context of the Caribbean Sustainable Energy Roadmap and Strategy (C-SERMS), based on rationalization of the potential energy resources and human and institutional capacity which will accompany the CEP and provide a implementation framework engaging all Member State and actors in the energy sector. SUMMARY OF BROAD CARICOM ENERGY POLICY ACTIONS In order to realize the Goal/Vision for the energy sector of the Community, it is the Policy of CARICOM to: SECURITY OF SUPPLY AND FUEL DIVERSIFICATION (Chapter 1) 1. Ensure increased energy security through timely access to adequate, reliable and EXPLOITATION OF HYDROCARBON SOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT OF FOSSIL FUEL MARKETS 2. Secure least cost hydrocarbon resources for each Member State and ensure that RENEWABLE ENERGY (Chapter 3) 3. Diversify the energy sources through increased use of renewable energy in a manner ELECTRICITY SECTOR (Chapter 4) 4. Ensure the sustainability of the electricity sector through increased use of renewable ENERGY CONSERVATION AND EFFICIENCY (Chapter 5) 5. Promote energy savings efforts in all sectors ENERGY USE FOR TRANSPORTATION (Chapter 6) 6. Promote fuel switching in the transportation sector to cleaner energy sources and ENERGY INVESTMENT (Chapter 7) 7. Undertake the necessary reforms in a timely manner to encourage greater investment INTRA-COMMUNITY TRADE IN HYDROCARBON ENERGY SOURCES (Chapter 8) 8. Ensure fair pricing and access to hydrocarbon resources by all Member States to ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT (Chapter 9) 9. Ensure that energy is supplied and consumed in a manner that creates minimal ENHANCEMENT OF HUMAN AND INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY (Chapter 10) 10. Build and strengthen the human capacity and skills as well as institutional capacity ENERGY ACCESS AND POVERTY ALLEVIATION (Chapter 11) 11. Eliminate energy poverty and ensure access to clean, affordable and reliable energy CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES (Chapter 12) 12. Encourage sustainable energy practices within all other sectors and areas where there ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE (Chapter 13) 13. Establish regional and national targets for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions ENERGY AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS (Chapter 14) 14. Develop strategies to ensure the availability of energy supplies and products and a TRADE IN ENERGY SERVICES (Chapter 15) 15. Develop strategies to take advantage of opportunities for trade in energy services PRINCIPLES GUIDING ACTIONS OUTLINED IN THE CARICOM ENERGY POLICY The CARICOM Energy Policy is guided by the following: 1. Community Mandates on Energy and Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas;
JPS ripping us off again? In the recent JPS Annual Tariff Adjustment Page 19 Technical Losses states: “The T&D system configuration and voltage levels are critical to determining the actual Increasing the voltage WILL increase your electricity consumption and in effect your JPS Most other countries practice something called “Conservation Voltage Reduction (CVR)” in The JPS nominal voltage should be 110vac or 220vac for rate 10 customers (residential) I typically measure between 115vac to 125vac and many days close to 128vac, or 4.5% to Ever wonder why your motors and electrical equipment run hotter or burn up quicker? Studies have shown 1% voltage change can yield a 0.6% change in consumption, or 2.7% to Is this there the 10% technical loss reduction will come from? Building a sub-station will cost money. money from every customer. Where is the OUR? more to come… THE JAMAICA PUBLIC SERVICE CO. LTD. ANNUAL TARIFF ADJUSTMENT SUBMISSION FOR 2013 http://www.myjpsco.com/_pdfs/ http://www.jsea.org.jm/docs/ 
APPLIANCE Traders Limited (ATL) has expanded into the alternative energy business. ATL Energy Solutions will add solar water heaters, photovoltaic panels and other devices for revewable power to the appliance retailers energy-efficient product line.
The division will also provide technical consultancy on assessing, designing and implementing scalable energy-saving solutions for businesses and homes. “We want to demystify the alternative energy space for our customers making it easier for them to determine the best path to reducing their energy consumption,” said Paul Grey, ATL’s energy and engineering manager. The introduction of the industrial giant’s new division comes after months of extensive research and analysis of global alternative energy providers to identify the best solutions for the Jamaican market according to the division head. “Record energy prices in Jamaica as well as in the international marketplace have heightened the need for sustainable alternatives. Expanding into the energy business is a natural progression for ATL given our history of providing advanced engineering and industrial solutions for major projects in Jamaica and the Caribbean,” said Grey. “Our mandate with ATL Energy Solutions is to provide our customers with a comprehensive resource centre to assess, design, implement, and service energy-saving technology and equipment that will reduce consumption patterns and ultimately energy receipts.” ATL already has solid footing in the alternative energy space executing a joint $8.6-million initiative with eco-innovation leaders Panasonic. The project saw the construction of a prototype eco-villa at Sandals Montego Bay, the first of its kind in Jamaica. The luxury suites are fully powered by Panasonic’s photovoltaic systems as well utilise all inverter appliances and electronics. Additionally, the company inked an exclusive arrangement with leading Israeli solar technology company Nimrod Industries Limited to distribute its solar water heaters as well as implemented its own Eco-Smart seal to earmark ‘green’ electronics in its product line-up. “We are at a transformational period in the Jamaican energy sector that requires us to either heavily curb our existing consumption patterns or look to alternative sources of power,” said Grey. “Our strategic partnerships enable us to offer a gamut of solutions across a range of applications for both our commercial and residential customers. From LED light bulbs which can last over 50,000 hours to solar photovoltaic (PV) panels which can last up to 25 years or even inverter appliances which save up to 60 per cent on power bills, we have solutions for the energy-mindful consumer.” ATL also provides detailed energy audits from which customers can readily evaluate their savings.
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