JPS files appeal

Barbara Gayle, Justice Coordinator

The Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS), has filed an appeal against a ruling by the Supreme Court that its exclusive licence to distribute and transmit electricity is invalid.

The application by JPS was filed today in the Court of Appeal.

No date has been set to hear the appeal.

The company is arguing that Justice Bryan Sykes erred when he ruled that the exclusive licence granted to JPS was not valid.

A group of concerned citizens filed a class action suit against the JPS arguing that its licence is illegal because the Electric Lighting Act prohibits monopoly and promotes competition.

In handing down his ruling, Justice Sykes said the minister does not have the power to grant a licence on terms which prevent other applicants from having their applications being considered genuine.

The judge also said the minister does not have the power to grant a license upon terms that bar the possibility of any other person entering the market for the transmission of electricity.

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