Holness says Sutherland solar project signals urgent shift in Jamaica energy policy

Prime Minister Andrew Holness says Sutherland Global’s investment in solar power should be seen as more than a company upgrade, arguing that it reflects the need for Jamaica to overhaul its electricity system and lower costs for households and businesses.

Speaking at the inauguration of the company’s solar energy initiative, Holness described Sutherland Global as one of Jamaica’s major private-sector employers and a key player in the business process outsourcing industry. He said the company accounts for just over 10 per cent of total BPO employment and praised the wider sector for staying resilient through COVID-19, global disruptions, energy challenges and the rise of artificial intelligence.

Holness said the BPO industry remains important to Jamaica’s growth and foreign-exchange earnings, calling it a foundation sector that must modernise and move up the value chain. He also indicated that recommendations for government support to the sector are being actively considered.

The Prime Minister said high electricity prices continue to limit Jamaica’s ability to build a high-growth, high-productivity and high-wage economy. He noted that Jamaica still relies heavily on imported fuel for power generation and said the official JPS fuel rate in March 2026 was J$33 per kilowatt hour before other charges, putting the final cost closer to J$42 per kilowatt hour.

Holness said companies are increasingly asking whether they should remain fully dependent on the grid or generate their own electricity. While welcoming self-generation and renewable energy investment, he warned that an unplanned migration by large customers could leave households, small businesses, farmers and community facilities carrying a heavier share of grid costs.

He said Jamaica must modernise its electricity licence, tariff structure and operating rules so the grid remains fair and sustainable. Citing international examples, Holness pointed to large solar developments in India and the United Arab Emirates, including projects capable of producing power at far lower costs than fossil-fuel systems.

According to Holness, modern utility-scale solar can deliver electricity at roughly US 2 to 5 cents per kilowatt hour, potentially translating in Jamaica to about J$3.20 to J$8 per kilowatt hour depending on financing and other factors. He said Jamaica must pursue renewable energy at scale to support future industries, including data centres and greater value from bauxite.