Jamaica advances national power wheeling framework under OUR oversight

The Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) is advancing Jamaica's power wheeling framework as part of ongoing efforts to modernise the electricity sector.

OUR regulatory policy specialist Stanley G. Smelly outlined the arrangement at the 20th annual conference of the Organization of Caribbean Utility Regulators. Power wheeling allows electricity generated at one location to be carried across the national grid and used at another site operated by the same customer. Users pay regulated charges for grid access—an approach sometimes likened to using a toll road network to move goods, except the commodity being transported is electricity.

Smelly said the framework is designed to expand energy options for eligible customers while keeping the grid fair, reliable, and efficient for everyone. It supports greater use of self-generation, including renewable energy, and aims to ensure national grid access remains stable, dependable, and appropriately priced.

The policy is also intended to widen opportunities for qualifying customers without undermining the interests of all electricity users. Jamaica's approach is backed by legislation, licence provisions, and the Electricity Wheeling Regulations of 2025, which set the rules for participation, grid access, and use of the network.

A complete PowerPoint presentation on the framework is available on the OUR website.