One of the main elements and long-term visions of Jamaica's 2009-2030 Energy Policy is to have "an energy sector that reflects a sustained improvement in the ways in which energy is used, through greater energy efficiency, reduced energy intensity and better energy conservation and management".

In an effort to address Jamaica's energy crisis, JPS has embarked on an ingenious public education campaign which seeks to help Jamaicans see energy conservation as an exciting yet necessary and even fun, family driven undertaking.

Reduce consumption

Six families have been given the opportunity to prove they can reduce energy consumption in their homes without compromising their quality of life. The race began on Tuesday, as the participants in the JPS PowerSmart Energy Challenge were unveiled on the Susan Show on TVJ. Over the next three months, the six families from across the island will pull out all the stops as they vie for more than $1 million in cash and prizes. The real prize however, is developing the habit of energy conservation!

To assist them on the conservation journey, each family is assigned a JPS Energy Mentor, to provide guidance and support along the way. The families will share their experiences and success stories in the media and online, in order to help others in their conservation efforts. So far, the families already highlight many seemingly harmless practices of many Jamaica's, which the mentors say continue to cost them.

Among the wasteful habits are: constantly opening of refrigerators, using the washing machine and iron numerous times throughout the week, falling asleep with the television on, forgetting to turn off lights, refusal to unplug appliances when not in use and using ancient appliances which are energy guzzlers.

As the competition continues, the reality-like show is expected to showcase numerous methods of energy conservation as the light and power company seeks to raise awareness of the tangible benefits of reduced consumption on an individual basis and to our nation on a whole.

In the meantime, YOU can start being PowerSmart too:

Get a fridge timer from the JPS Estore.

Unplug appliances and equipment when not in use.

Select a day for washing and ironing.

If you are afraid of the dark, get a nightlight.

Buy a battery-operated radio instead of leaving the television on to keep you company.

Install LED light bulbs.

Turn off all lights when not in use.

Set a timer when using an Air Conditioner.

Turn off electric water heaters after baths.