The Jamaica Public Service (JPS) Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Steve Berberich as the energy company’s new President and chief executive officer, effective May 31, 2023.

Berberich is an internationally recognised industry expert in electric grid operations and markets, renewable and related technologies, information technology, and cyber security. He brings over 38 years of experience in fields such as utility leadership, business consulting, financial services, banking and finance.

“Berberich is the former president and chief executive officer of the California Independent System Operator (ISO), which is one of the world’s largest transmission organisations, managing the electric grid and wholesale power markets for 32 million Californians and throughout the Western US. During his tenure, he navigated the ISO through a series of major changes underway in the energy industry,” JPS said in a statement on Wednesday.

JPS added that Berberich was instrumental in facilitating the transformation of the power grid to lower its reliance on fossil fuels and driving energy policy to foster new ways to produce and consume electricity.

Recognised as one of the United States of America’s 10 most influential energy leaders in 2014, Berberich oversaw the integration of more renewable energy than any other region in the world.

“He directed the deployment of the USA’s first energy imbalance market, which welcomed several additional western states into the ISO’s bulk power markets. He is a frequent speaker in the USA and internationally about the 21st-century grid,” JPS said.

Berberich replaces Michel Gantois, whose tenure as JPS President and CEO ended on Tuesday.