KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — Another 35,000 street lamps are to be installed this year under the Smart Light Emitting Diode (LED) Street Light Programme.

Since the roll-out of the programme in June 2017, 37,000 LED street lamps have been installed by the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) in several communities in Kingston and St Andrew, St James, St Ann, Trelawny, St Mary, Hanover, Westmoreland, and St Catherine.

The initiative, which is being implemented by the Government in partnership with JPS, aims to reduce the country’s energy costs and increase the use of renewable energy sources.

The smart LED lighting technology allows for remote reading of the consumption of each lamp, identifying out-of-service lamps and control of the light intensity.

Science, Energy and Technology Minister, Dr Andrew Wheatley, said the public’s response to the programme has been very positive.

“The level of support is overwhelming. Wherever we go across the island, persons commend the Government on the smart LED lights. It is a holistic approach that we are taking as it relates to offsetting our energy bill while, at the same time, preserving our environment,” he said.

Wheatley explained that while the primary aim of the programme is to reduce the country’s energy costs, an additional benefit is the safety and security component where the smart technology provides support in crime-fighting, through the use of image sensing, including closed-circuit television (CCTV).

“Jamaica is moving forward, and we have to ensure that we have an environment that is safe and secure for our people. We are putting measures in place for the safety and security of our people,” the energy minister said.

The Smart LED Street Light Programme will target 110,000 street lights across Jamaica over the next three years.

The programme is part of an agreement between the Government and the power company to replace outdated infrastructure with modern, efficient street lights.