Kingston, Jamaica — The Government of Jamaica has announced that it will not renew the license of the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) when it expires on July 8, 2027.
The announcement was made Monday by Minister of Energy Daryl Vaz during a press conference, signalling a major shift in the country’s energy sector.
Vaz, who has been under pressure in recent months to act decisively on the matter, assured the public that there will be no disruption in electricity supply as a result of the government’s decision.
No Government Takeover
The energy minister also made it clear that the government will not be taking over JPS operations. Instead, he said discussions will begin shortly with other energy providers as Jamaica prepares to transition away from the existing license agreement.
“We’re committed to getting the best possible deal for the people of Jamaica,” Vaz stated, noting that many communities across the island were left in darkness after the passage of Hurricane Beryl in 2024 — an issue that has sparked intense criticism of JPS’s performance.
New Negotiations Ahead
Calls for a new agreement had intensified since late 2023, with the opposition People’s National Party urging the government to enter fresh negotiations. Minister Vaz’s announcement marks the first definitive step in that direction.
The Government of Jamaica currently owns a 19% stake in JPS. The remaining shares are held by Marubeni Corporation of Japan and Korea East-West Power Company, each with 40%.
More information is expected as negotiations with potential new energy providers unfold.

