THE JAMAICA Public Service Company Limited (JPS) says it is now using strike-force operations to remove illegal connections, in the form of throw-ups, on power lines.

A press release from the JPS yesterday said the light and power company was investing some $38 million this year on the operations.

The utility company said it was targeting communities where electricity theft via throw-ups on power lines have been prevalent, removing as many as 1,500 to 2,000 wires daily.

"While many residents do acquire additional wires to reinstall illegal connections, JPS is consistently returning to these areas ... making it difficult for the perpetrators to maintain the illegal practice," the company said.

The light and power company said areas targeted on a frequent basis, gradually register a significant reduction in illegal activity, as residents opt to get regularised.

According to JPS, it loses approximately 13 per cent of the power it generates to electricity theft.