On Wednesday, 4 December 2024, the Jamaica Public Service Company Limited (JPS) officially opened its Centre of Excellence, a hub for cutting-edge specialized training and innovation in Grid Operations Management, and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems. As part of its strategic plan to build capacity and facilitate collaboration among regional utilities, CARILEC has entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with JPS to facilitate capacity building for utility employees across the region.

SCADA systems are critical to utilities as they enable efficient management of increasingly complex power grids, ensuring reliability of energy supply. In a live demonstration during the opening ceremony, the JPS Team was able to demonstrate how advanced automated SCADA systems quickly and accurately respond to network changes, resulting in reduced power outages and increased operational efficiencies. These systems leverage advanced analytics to process vast amounts of data from connected devices and platforms, such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), providing insights to predict and prevent potential issues. Additionally, SCADA systems are essential for integrating renewable energy sources into the grid, monitoring and controlling power flows to maintain stability as utilities transition toward sustainable energy solutions.

The MOU between CARILEC and JPS offers a strategic opportunity for regional utilities to gain first-hand training and experience with more advanced SCADA systems through live simulations. During the ceremony, Executive Director of CARILEC, Dr. Cletus Bertin, said “We have a rich mix of member utilities, each at different stages of the development of their grid operations.  The impact of this MOU will be a gamechanger in building capacity and supporting the advancement of more reliable and sustainable energy networks across the region. It paves the way for advanced training opportunities that will equip energy professionals with the skills needed to manage and innovate their SCADA systems. For smaller utilities, this partnership is particularly significant, as it provides access to the expertise and technologies needed to design and implement tailored systems that reflect their unique operational needs.”

As part of the collaboration, CARILEC will host its inaugural Utility Automation and Innovation Symposium in Jamaica in November 2025. The Symposium, to be conducted in close collaboration with the JPS Centre of Excellence, will focus on critical Information and Communication Technology (ICT) issues, such as Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security, as well as SCADA Systems, GIS and AMI. Hosting the Symposium at the Centre will enable attendees to gain hands-on experience to confidently adopt systems that will drive efficiency and resilience in their operations.

Many of the challenges faced as a region, such as the impact of climate change and access to resources, require solutions that transcend borders. Ultimately, this MOU between JPS and CARILEC is a momentous step in working together towards strengthening regional collaboration, advancing innovation, and building the capacity needed to realize a sustainable energy future for people of the Caribbean.