Energy Minister Daryl Vaz says the squall line which affected sections of the island last evening has highlighted the need for the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) to conduct a complete audit and assessment of its infrastructure.

The squall line – a group of storms arranged in a line, and frequently joined by high wind and heavy rain – moved through eastern, central and western parishes.

In some areas, the strong winds downed poles and resulted in power outages.

Minister Vaz, who has been pushing for the JPS to complete its restoration efforts after Hurricane Beryl passed on July 3, says the impact of last evening’s weather event on the JPS infrastructure shows that the power company did not adequately prepare for the hurricane season.

He says it is obvious that the JPS is not maintaining its infrastructure.