KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Public Service (JPS) is advising customers that they may experience interruptions in services over the next two weeks as the company undertakes the final phase of testing for the newly constructed 190MW Natural Gas Power Plant in Old Harbour Bay, St Catherine.

The tests are being conducted ahead of the plant being fully integrated into the national electricity grid.

JPS explained the plant has been providing electricity to the grid since earlier this year, but has not yet been fully commissioned, due to the complex testing process currently underway.

Noting that the plant will be tested at varying levels of output, JPS said the tests are aimed at ensuring that the system responds appropriately whether the plant is fully or partially on the grid.

Senior Vice President of Generation at JPS, Joseph Williams, added that this is a critical stage in the commissioning of the plant.

“Successful testing has already been done on several components of the plant, as part of the process of integrating the new gas and steam turbines. We are literally on the final lap, and are confident that the plant will soon be contributing consistently on a daily basis to Jamaica’s electricity needs. We ask our customers for your continued patience and understanding, and will endeavour to provide regular updates regarding service interruptions,” Williams said.

The construction of the new power plant took place over approximately 30 months and has employed over 500 persons, including more than 200 from the immediate Old Harbour Bay community.

JPS said the power plant will contribute significantly to the national energy diversification programme, and will be a boost to the environment, as it will utilise a cleaner gas, with lower emissions.

It will also contribute to the efficiency and reliability of the present energy supply, as well as the stabilisation of fuel costs for JPS customers.