Grid operators training centre opened in Jamaica
Image: JPS
Jamaica Public Service (JPS) has opened a ‘centre of excellence’ as part of its strategy for training and certification for local and regional grid operators.
The hub, which was launched at the JPS System Control Centre in Jamaica’s capital Kingston, is considered a pioneering effort for knowledge sharing and capacity building in the Caribbean region.
It had its origins on a 2016 incident, in which almost 90% of JPS customers lost power, and the commitment that such an event would not reoccur.
“It was a dark day for the company, literally and figuratively,” said Lincoy Small, JPS Director of System Operations, at the launch.
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“With the JPS centre of excellence, we have delivered on our commitment by creating a space to ensure upskilling at its best so workers in the energy sector can be equipped with the know-how to rival those of other utilities globally.”
The state-of-the art facility was launched in partnership with the Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC), the regional industry association, and will be used to develop expertise in grid operations and management, contingency planning and emergency response for utilities.
It also is intended to enable the strengthening of relationships with academic institutions including the University of the West Indies, Mona and the University of the Technology Jamaica through continued research and development.
Previously, JPS has supported the Faculty of Engineering and Computing at the University of Technology Jamaica towards its ISO 9001:2015 certification.
Cletus Bertin, Executive Director of CARILEC, added: “[The initiative] is a game-changer in helping the Corporation fulfil its mandate to assist member states in accessing resources to adopt best practices and advance energy delivery and management.”
The JPS centre of excellence is expected to play a vital role in the Caribbean’s energy transformation.
At the launch, a memorandum of understanding was signed between JPS and CARILEC.
