THE Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) is reporting an increase in the discovery of sophisticated meter bypass devices used in the illegal abstraction of electricity.

This while the company continues to carry out regular investigations to clamp down on the activity.

Just last week, investigations in separate locations, including the Corporate Area and St Catherine, led to the discovery of sophisticated bypass devices hidden in various parts of houses, including ceilings and kitchen enclosures, the utility said.

Meanwhile, teams from the utility who were operating in sections of Waterhouse, St Andrew, last Thursday, discovered 17 irregularities and removed 84 ‘throw-ups’. Additionally, 37 active meters with no account holders were uncovered.

JPS is spending US$30 million on initiatives to reduce irregularities. These include the installation of anti-theft systems in communities with high levels of electricity theft, account audits, investigations, removal of illegal lines, and facilitating arrests by the police.