Innovation

JPSCo's visionary leadership has led the Caribbean region in the innovative implementation of renewable and sustainable energy solutions within Jamaica. In 2000, they started supplementing liquid petroleum-produced electricity with wind energy and the more environmentally friendly gas (LNG) alternative. In 2012, solar systems were the following significant renewable investment for the company. In 2016, JPS embarked on its boldest renewable and sustainable energy move. Anchored to the national ambition of freeing Jamaica from its dependence on fossil fuel derivatives for transportation, the aim was set to achieve 100% of Jamaican homes with vehicles being supported to become equipped with an Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging system, on the backdrop of a fully developed network of EV Charging Stations across Jamaica.

In the absence of local infrastructure, JPSCo has taken the lead on the policy initiative of the Government of Jamaica to get the country and local economy ready for this significant shift in energy use through developing multisectoral partnerships to build out the needed ecosystem. Among them are partnerships for local training of the professionals required to service EVs, EV importation providers, EV station certification programs, EV charging station networks, research and development collaborations, and public education campaigns. Jamaica's EV market is still embryonic; however, Dionne and her team remain committed to building out the ecosystem required to give birth to a healthy market space.

Inspiration

JPSCo has been blessed with a leadership team that has set the charge toward cleaner energy and a more radiant future for Jamaica. They believe in the transformative power of providing clean energy and the importance of renewable resources in shaping a resilient tomorrow. Within that leadership team, Dionne's Business Development Unit has delivered this mission for over 20 years with true Jamaican passion. She shared, " I love my country, and as we continue to exceed expectations in many areas, such as sports and music, our company will ensure that energy will be included in the list of exceeded expectations." She continued to share, "While these efforts will be a big change in the way we do energy in Jamaica, for me, the impact I cherish most is the value for the little lady up the road, who benefits from the lower cost, cleaner energy, and a healthier environment." Acting with agility to embrace new technologies, JPSCo's leadership team seized the opportunity to dominate the conversations about the value of EVs. It took action to make the significant investments needed to prepare Jamaica for EVs.

Overall impact

This bold and innovative move by the JPS will pave the way for an earlier large-scale shift from fossil fuels to renewable and sustainable energy sources to power transportation locally. Electricity has been estimated to be a cheaper and cleaner fuel source for motor vehicles. The introduction of this alternative fuel option has simultaneously increased Energy resilience in the transportation sector.

JPSCo's significant investment into the local electric vehicle market lowered the risk for complementary partners to get involved and share the risk JPSCo's leadership team took. The investment has created new jobs and will continue to create increased demand for highly skilled and higher-paying labor - in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). This shift in labor demand will contribute to the development of the Jamaican economy.

It is expected that JPSCo and other industry investors continue to grow their investments in renewable and locally generated energy, that this EV ecosystem development initiative will be a significant contributor to a shift in the current dependence on foreign exchange to purchase fossil fuels - helping to stabilize the local currency and economy.

Business benefit

As JPSCo continues its mission to have an Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging system in 100% of Jamaican homes that drive vehicles, alongside developing a national network of Charge Station for feeling up across the country, this initial EV ecosystem investment will likely move from being a business development initiative to becoming its own Business Unit within the JPSCo.

While the local EV car ownership is now at 300 vehicles locally, JPSCo estimates that ownership is expected to grow to 1000+ within the next 2-3 years, followed by a rapid shift to preferential EV vehicle ownership in the next 5-10 years. Though this technological implementation is still in its early phases, the initiative has helped JPSCo to deepen its relationship with its existing customers, develop critical business partnerships, and support the desired direction shift of our local energy regulators.

Social and environmental benefit

This initiative has several direct benefits for our society and the environment. First, it supported the national thrust to improve energy options to cleaner, renewable, and locally generated energy. Economic benefits continue to grow through the ongoing investments in multisector partnerships, including training the professionals needed to service EVs, EV importation providers, EV station certification programs, EV charging station networks, research and development collaborations, and public education campaigns. Our society will continue to benefit from the ripple impact of this initiative in creating new jobs, resilience-building, and lower foreign exchange dependence. Citizens are also expected to benefit from having a lower-cost fuel alternative.

The environment and climate will benefit from lower greenhouse gas emissions associated with the broad-based use of electricity to power transportation - which rises considerably as more renewable and sustainable energy sources are utilized to generate electricity locally.

Interview

Dionne Nugent, Director of Business Development