JPS to re-evaluate distribution system

The Jamaica Public Service (JPS) says it will have to re-evaluate its distribution system in order to prevent another major shut down of  its power grid. This follows Saturday’s islandwide power outage.
  

The outage occurred after several generating units went off-line simultaneously.
JPS President and CEO Kelly Tomblin admitted that human error at the Hunts Bay Power Station triggered the blackout. She also revealed that the company is facing challenges in providing energy to its customers.

“I have to evaluate whether we need a design modification, whether we need re-engineering. …. We recognize that we are loosing a lot of our technology expertise. So we started back in April, a plan to improve out technical skills.

Tomblin says the JPS is now looking overseas to recruit experienced engineers and technicians to replace those leaving the company.

“And we have looked in Cuba to see if people are there  - but people are having a difficulty seeing utilities as the key place to work globally….”
  

Preliminary report

She said the JPS will submit a preliminary report to Energy Minister Dr Andrew Wheatley by Sunday evening  - even as the company continues to assess the cause of  the problem:

Wheatley had criticised JPS for the blackout and demanded a preliminary report by Monday.
Tomblin says a full report will be released later this week.

Action to be taken

The JPS CEO says action will be taken against those responsible for the power outage.
 She revealed that a senior technician at the JPS is under investigation.
   

The Union of  Clerical, Administrative and Supervisory Employees (UCASE) which represents the technician, says it is observing proceedings.