Understand more about the process…
JPS provides electricity service to more than 640,000 residential and business customers through an integrated system that includes several power generating plants, and an island-wide transmission and distribution network. They accept preliminary applications for new connections and supply upgrades via the following means:
- At any one of their JPS Commercial Offices island wide.
- Through the JPS Customer Care Centre.
- Send an application to your Account Manager, if one is already assigned to your organization.
In order to ensure you are connected in the shortest time possible, the JPS encourages you to contact them early in your development planning process to ensure that the electrical supply required is in fact available where and when you need it. Therefore, the steps for each application may vary depending on what infrastructure is already existing at your site location. As such, once the electrical drawings for your development are completed and you have identified your electricity needs, you should contact the JPS and they will help to guide you through the process.
Once construction/renovation on your development/facility is soon to be completed and before your development can be connected to the JPS’s electrical grid, the electrical wiring that was installed or refurbished, will need to be inspected and certified by the Government Electrical Inspectorate (GEI). The GEI is the Agency of government that enforces the technical and safety standards necessary to guarantee the safe operation/utilization of all electrical wirings throughout Jamaica.
For more information on how to secure an electricity connection, see the next steps of this business process guideline.
Pre-Application requirements…
Before applying to secure your electricity connection you will need to complete all of the electrical wiring work for your Facility or Development. Once completed the electrical wiring that was installed or refurbished, will need to be inspected and certified by the Government Electrical Inspectorate (GEI). The following outlines the pre-application activities necessary for certification and connection to the JPS’ electric grid:
- Obtain the services of a licensed Electrician to either carry out the job of installing wiring for your new facility/building or to check, upgrade and rectify the existing wiring in your existing facility/development.
- The licensed Electrician prepares the GEI “Notice Form” and ensures that the necessary sections of the form are completed.
- Have your licensed Electrician pay the necessary inspection fees, through the Collector of Taxes who will submit the receipt to the GEI. This receipt must be duly signed by the licensed Electrician, who will also affix his/her Electrician Licence Number to same.
- The GEI and licensed Electrician will agree on an inspection date. On that day the GEI inspector must have access to all areas of the building/site where electrical wiring exists.
- At the end of inspection, an Electrical Inspection Report, on the results of the inspection, will be issued to the licensed Electrician or his/her representative.
- An “Unsatisfactory Report” indicates faults/defects that must be corrected by the licensed Electrician. A repeat of the inspection process above, will now be necessary and depending on the faults/defects may incur an additional fee to the GEI.
- A “Satisfactory Report” will allow you to start the process of getting your wiring connected to the JPS’ electric grid.
The GEI will only issue a certificate of approval, if the inspector is satisfied that the installation has been satisfactorily completed. Within seven (7) working days after the inspection, The GEI will send a corresponding certificate to JPS authorizing that the installation be energized.
This certificate is applicable for the following conditions:
- New Building (if there has never been supply or a meter at the location).
- Premises that have been without electricity for at least one year.
- Premises that have been demolished and reconstructed.
- Premises that have been damaged by fire.
- Premises with an illegal connection.
- If you require an upgrade in your supply.
Complete the relevant form(s) and provide any supporting information/documents…
Once the electrical wiring has been installed/upgraded and passed inspection by the GEI, to request connection for JPS service, you may contact their Customer Care Centre, or visit one of the Commercial Offices to make a preliminary request for service. In addition, an application request can be sent to your Account Manager, if one has already been assigned to your organization.
Application Requirements:
Following on your preliminary request for service you will be asked to provide formal application documents. In order to ensure your application is processed expeditiously and within the relevant time-frame, please verify that all the information is completed fully, and the required supporting documents/information are submitted along with your request.
New Electricity Connections and Upgrades:
The requirements for applying for a new connection or service upgrade for your business or development are as follows:
- A Letter of Application on your company’s letterhead with the company’s seal affixed and signed by a director and the company secretary. The application letter should include:
- The address where service is required.
- When the service is needed.
- Name and contact details of person representing the company for the application
- Load details on the major equipment to be used in your new/expanded facility and the rating in kilovolt amperes (kVA) or ampere (A) units.
- A Single-line Electrical Drawing (if applicable – JPS will advise), prepared, stamped and signed by a Certified Electrical Engineer, indicating the loading, as well as, other details for any three (3) phase electrical service required.
Other Supporting Documents to be prepared and submitted.
- Taxpayer Registration Number (TRN) - TRN should be included on your application form. How to get your company’s TRN? Find out more.
- Proof of Ownership/Lease Agreement
- Valid Identification - Passport, National ID or Driver's Licence for the owner/applicant may be applicable in some cases.
- Certificate of Incorporation
- The Government Electrical Inspection (GEI) Certificate (if available prior to the application).
Line Extensions:
- In instances where JPS is required to extend or build a line, a site visit will be conducted to determine the extent of the work required. A quotation will then be provided along with a Project Proposal Document (PPD) for your approval, indicating the cost and project timelines. The JPS may require a contribution towards the construction cost. If applicable, you may opt to pay either 100% of the cost, which is refundable, or 50%, which is non-refundable.
Subdivisions, Townhouses and Apartment Complexes:
- In the case of applications relating to subdivisions, townhouses and apartment complexes, the developer will also need to present a site plan, proof of ownership or authority to erect distribution infrastructure such as a copy of the title, power of attorney and lease contract. JPS will also require a surveyor’s ID report/declaration, approval from the Municipal Corporation and an electronic copy of the electrical distribution design in AutoCAD 2000 format.
All applicants should consult JPS’ standard terms and conditions document, for important information pertaining to restrictions in the utilization of the electricity supplies offered.
For more information about securing your electricity connection, visit the JPS.
Submit your completed application
Submission Requirements:
Once your application letter and all supporting information/documents have been completed, signed, stamped and certified where required; you will need to visit the JPS Customer Care Centre or any of the Commercial Offices island wide to submit your application.
The address and contact information for the JPS is indicated below:
Jamaica Public Service Company Limited
23 Ruthven Road
Kingston 10
Jamaica, W.I.
Telephone: 1 (888) 935-5577/225-5577
Fax: 1 (876) 511-2166
Email: calljps@jpsco.com
Monday – Thursday: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Friday: 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
For the location of a Customer Service Office nearest to you, visit Commercial Offices.
Additional steps required for approval
Upon submission of your application, there are some additional steps that the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) will require as a part of their own due diligence processes. This relates to the connection between the JPS supply lines and the developer’s newly installed/upgraded electrical wiring (in the building/on site) and includes the following:
- Review of the Application Letter and the associated drawings –undertaken by the JPS.
- JPS Site Inspection completed - this is conducted to determine the site layout and the requirements that will have to be met to supply the customer with electricity.
- Determine Final Estimate to be charged -carried out by the JPS’ Engineering Team.
- Developer to pay the fees - visit the nearest JPS Customer Service Office.
- Developer to install external connection works - this is basically the external wiring up to point of connection provided by JPS, a panel board, switchboard, and cables.
- JPS installs external connection works - this includes meter installation and other equipment to ensure that electricity starts flowing.
- JPS invites the Government of Jamaica Electrical Department (GEI) Office to carryout inspection - on the above additional electrical work done on the power lines.
- GEI Office certifies the work and notifies developer.
- Developer pays a security deposit to JPS - this is refundable upon termination of the service being provided.
- JPS proceeds with final meter connection - thus enabling the developer to make use of electricity.
To learn more about this process…please visit the JPS - Business.
Pay the relevant processing fees
In order for your Application to be processed, you will need to visit any of the JPS Commercial Offices to pay the appropriate deposit/fee. The methods of payment accepted are: i) cash, ii) manager’s cheques; iii) debit/credit cards and iv) banker’s guarantee.
Processing Fees: Electricity Connections
- The connection deposit/cost is determined on a case by case basis as outlined below:
- Type of connection required - new/upgrade or line extension.
- Review of electrical engineer’s drawings to determine materials and equipment required for installation.
- Details of power load/voltage requirements (eg. Need for 3-phase/etc.)
- Based on the above, an estimated cost will be determined for the work required to install the connection.
New/Upgraded supply - Deposit
- For Rate 20 (small Business customers) and Rate 40 and 50 (large Business customers), the deposit is calculated by load; and is equivalent to three (3) months of usage.
- The minimum deposit for Rate 20 customers is J$6000.
- Customers may also make deposits with a banker’s guarantee or cash.
Line Extension supply - Estimate
- This may require an upfront contribution towards the construction cost. If applicable, customers may opt to pay either 100% of the total cost, which is refundable or 50% of the cost, which is non-refundable.
Please note: Fees are subject to updates.
Processing Time:
Electricity Connections Approval - maximum of fifty-five (55) working days.
- New Installations - where there is no previous supply, and lines and meters have to be installed, connection is to be done within five (5) working days.
- Simple Connections - where supply and meter are already on the premises, connection to be done within four (4) working days.
- Complex connection to supply (30m – 100m) - between 30m and 100m of existing JPS distribution line:
- Estimate provided within ten (10) working days.
- Connection completed within thirty (30) working days after payment.
- Complex connection to supply (101m – 250m) - between 101m and 250m of existing JPS distribution line
- Estimate provided within fifteen (15) working days.
- Connection completed within forty (40) working days after payment.
Collect your approved document(s)
Once the review and assessment process has been completed and if your documents and site visit are in order, the JPS will notify you that your application for connection has been approved.
At the end of the process you would have received the following:
- Your Electricity Service and Account
