Residents in sections of St Elizabeth still without power, are hopeful that electricity will be restored, prior to the August 31 timeline, set by the Jamaica Public Service (JPS).

Frustrated residents have been protesting for weeks, citing the challenges to their domestic and business operations.

The JPS has embarked on a series of community meetings, with sessions held in Balaclava, Slipe and Parottee last Thursday and Friday. The meetings updated residents on the return of power supply and heard their concerns.

The JPS has said it has to rebuild sections of its network in St Elizabeth, where its distribution infrastructure, was almost totally destroyed during Hurricane Beryl on July 3.

JPS’ President Hugh Grant said in some areas, the network will need to be redesigned and lines relocated.

Meanwhile, Member of Parliament for South West St. Elizabeth, Floyd Green who attended the Slipe meeting is welcoming the JPS’ engagement with the residents.

He says the residents are anticipating that the August 31 restoration date will be brought forward.

Mr. Green adds that residents are of the view that they should not be billed for the period they had no electricity.