JPS is arguably one of the biggest victims of crime in Jamaica. Statistics indicate that more than 180,000 people, households and businesses steal from JPS every day.

This crime, which has been perpetrated across the length and breadth of Jamaica over many years, threatens the viability of the company and, by extension, the country’s economic progress, as the product JPS produces is the lifeblood of the economy. Our valued customers are also victims of this crime — as they, too, suffer economic harm from it, being forced to contribute to costs associated with this crime.

JPS spends billions of dollars every year to minimise the theft of electricity, but the problem persists. This crime is pervasive – cutting across social and geographical boundaries. It spreads from very poor inner-city communities to the most affluent communities in Jamaica. Both the needy and the greedy indulge in this practice: residential property owners, tenants and squatters, as well as large, medium and small businesses.

ELECTRICITY THEFT – A STARTER CRIME

Electricity theft seems to be embedded in our culture – which probably explains why such a widespread crime gets so little attention from successive governments, the media and the public at large. However, it is my firm belief that a sustainable fight against crime in Jamaica is impractical, if the most prevalent crime is not addressed.

Electricity theft is a huge starter crime in Jamaica. Children see their parents steal electricity, actively participate in it, and grow up viewing theft as a normal and acceptable practice, and often eventually branch off into various other crimes. Addressing the problem of electricity theft at all levels must therefore be an integral part of any effort to tame the crime monster.

EVERYONE IS AFFECTED

The theft of electricity affects the entire population. Overall, the price that legitimate customers pay for electricity could be less, were it not for the electricity thieves. Since the energy from electricity is a primary means of production, this translates into a higher price for goods and services across the board. Electricity thieves also do not conserve, which significantly adds to the outflow of foreign exchange to pay for the additional fuel bill.

Electricity theft is no less a crime than praedial larceny. Over 18 per cent of what JPS produces is stolen, amounting to several million US dollars per month. Praedial larceny, however, receives much more prominence, sympathy and action. Is a goat or cow thief a bigger evil than an electricity thief? Is the impact of animal theft greater than the impact of electricity theft?

INTENSIFYING THE FIGHT

JPS cannot fight the crime of electricity theft on our own. The elimination of this blight rests on us all, as a country, and working together we can make it much more difficult for electricity thieves to succeed. JPS has spared little effort in the fight against electricity theft, and intends to make 2017 a pivotal year in our quest to tame this beast.

With the lessons learned over the last 10 years, coupled with the development of new technology solutions – to include smart grid technology and advanced anti-theft analytical tools – we are undoubtedly on the cusp of significant breakthrough in 2017 and beyond. We can now more accurately and precisely measure and identify where theft is occurring, and we have embarked on several proven programmes over the years, which we will be intensifying this year. We must be more aggressive than ever, because the impacts are great.

A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH

Electricity theft is a matter of life and death. There have been numerous cases of electrocution – including innocent children and livestock – as a result of illegal connections. In addition, many properties are destroyed each year by fire caused by illegal lines. Thousands of Jamaicans are not able to travel or live overseas because, unfortunately they have criminal records after being successfully prosecuted for electricity theft.

Even this tragedy has not been enough of a deterrent to the perpetrators of electricity theft.

STIFFER PENALTIES

In the past, JPS has not pushed authorities for the arrest and prosecution of people caught stealing electricity, particularly customers who immediately pay or make arrangements to pay all outstanding amounts. The company’s focus is usually on recovering the outstanding amounts. We are finding, though, that people are using this as a cheap and easy way to boost their cash flow – essentially taking an unauthorised interest-free loan from JPS and promptly paying up when caught.

We now strongly believe that if we do not prosecute, name and shame, we cannot win. We will therefore be working more closely with the police to make arrests and prosecution a major part of our anti-theft strategy going forward.

Under the new electricity licence, stiffer penalties for offenders were enacted in 2016. Given what we have seen, we now believe that the penalty should be even stiffer, to be an effective deterrent – especially for business owners and affluent homeowners. Other countries have employed more draconian measures to minimise this crime. In India, for example, there’s now a mandatory prison sentence for electricity theft.

While we continue to do our part in fighting this national problem, JPS is appealing to everyone to get involved. We want communities to become more vigilant in protecting life and property, as well as the reputation of their neighbourhoods. Commit to report electricity theft to the police or to JPS.

For people needing legal supply, many options are available. Simply contact your nearest JPS office or our Customer Care Centre at 1888 225 5577 for more information.

– Major George Kates is director revenue security, JPS.