The Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) says more than 75 per cent of its customers can now be remotely connected.

This means that these customers are able to open, close or transfer their JPS accounts without ever coming into a JPS customer service office, the light and power provider said in a press release on Tuesday.

Additionally, these customers can have their service reconnected much faster than previously possible, and without a team physically visiting their premises, the release stated, noting that it comes as a direct benefit of the ongoing roll-out of smart meters across the island.

The countrywide count stands at 520,000 meters or about 75 per cent of the customer base, as of the end of January this year, JPS said, adding that the initiative is part of a commitment to enhance customers’ experiences through a more efficient and technologically advanced electricity network.

JPS said the J$14 billion investment over the past nine years has also resulted in customers’ ability to track their electricity usage on a daily or hourly basis, through the MyJPS Mobile App. Customers with smart meters who use the mobile app can also view their projected electricity bill for the month, based on their current usage trend, the company noted.

Customers who have smart meters can also convert to prepaid service, or postpaid service, without having to wait for a meter change, as smart meters have dual functionality. The positive impact of smart meters also extends to improved network efficiency, added the company.

Since late 2023, St Mary has been the primary focus of the JPS Smart Meter Upgrade Project, as the company seeks to complete installations in that parish. Portland and southern sections of Kingston and St Andrew should be completed later this year, according to the release.

“Our ongoing future-oriented approach, underscores our dedication to providing faster, more efficient service,” said Pia Baker, Senior VP of Customer Experience and Commercial at JPS.

“We are proud of the progress we have made and the positive impact it is having on our customers’ experiences,” she added.