Energy Minister Daryl Vaz has taken note of the fact that the claim by the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) that it has met the August 12 islandwide power restoration deadline is being countered by residents and Members of Parliament (MPs) of some parishes as they are yet to be reconnected to the grid. 

Following disruptions caused by Hurricane Beryl, the JPS has been working to restore electricity to affected communities and gave several timelines which were missed.

The latest restoration timeline was yesterday August 12, with the exception of St. Elizabeth which has an August 31 deadline.

In a statement today, the JPS asserted that it met yesterday’s deadline even as it also indicated that sections of St. Andrew, Manchester and Westmoreland are still without power due to access challenges. 

Mr. Vaz said based on reports from MPs’ and residents, sections of Manchester and St. Mary are yet to be reconnected. 

The minister has written to the JPS requesting that a comprehensive report be provided on the status of electricity restoration by community and parish.

Mr. Vaz noted that the information requested will assist the energy ministry in evaluating the overall recovery efforts.

He reiterated that JPS should communicate accurately with customers about restoration timelines so that they can plan accordingly.

In a correspondence sent to the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) the minister reiterated a request made to JPS for a detailed account to be provided of the compassionate measures to be implemented for customers whose electricity service was not restored within the previously communicated timelines.

Mr. Vaz said given that JPS has not met these restoration deadlines, the ministry anticipates an extension of service disconnection or penalties for all affected customers.