BOGUE, St James – The Jamaica Public Service yesterday promised that Jamaicans would be able to enjoy cheaper energy in the long run as it moves towards increasing its dependence on alternative fuel sources.

“Our system is much better than what it used to be… this is not the first investment and it won’t be the last… diversification will reduce fuel costs and lead to more foreign investment,” said Tomofumi Fukuda, chairman of Marubeni TAQA Caribbean and the JPS, at the commissioning of an additional 10 megawatts of generating capacity at the power company’s Bogue plant in Montego Bay.

According to the JPS, the commissioning of the expanded generating capacity, which was attended by Prime Minister Bruce Golding and several other members of Government and the business community, represents an investment of US$8.5 million as well as the culmination of months of work on the plant.

In confirmation of Fukuda’s remarks, Golding – who delivered the main address at the commissioning ceremony – advised that his administration had taken the decision to shift the emphasis of the country’s dependence on fossil fuels to natural gas and other alternatives.

Commending JPS for its investment which will generate enough electricity to service 30,000 residential households to the tune of 170 kilowatt hours per month, Golding noted that the use of the combined cycle technology – one of the most efficient methods of converting fuel to electricity – would play a critical role in increasing efficiency and triggering lower rates.

In the meantime, Golding said despite delays attributable to the current economic recession, plans to build an aluminium smelter on the North Coast are still active.

The plans – a joint venture by American and Chinese interests – will also involve the building of a clean coal plant to supply the necessary energy to run the smelter. Forty per cent of the energy generated by the plant – 40 megawatts- will be used to run the refinery, while the balance will be sold to the national grid.