Lawmakers are to strengthen the legislation that governs the operations of utility companies to ensure that customers are protected, particularly during emergencies.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness made the statement in Kingston, on Monday morning. He said the process will commence shortly.

His comments come as many Jamaicans are still without electricity following the passage of Hurricane Beryl on July 3.

The Jamaica Public Service (JPS) has missed several deadlines for the restoration of power, resulting in protests by customers and a directive from the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) for the light and power company to re-connect customers to the grid by August 12.

Prior to that directive, the Prime Minister and Energy Minister Daryl Vaz had called on the OUR to apply pressure to the JPS to ensure that power is restored quickly.

Speaking today during the disbursement of cheques to Jamaicans whose houses were destroyed during hurricane Beryl, Mr. Holness reiterated his dissatisfaction with the JPS’ restoration efforts.

Noting that he was set to meet with JPS Monday afternoon, Mr. Holness said legislators will work to strengthen the legislative framework for utility operations.