JPS begs for more patience as it works to restore power to customers

   

In the wake of daily demonstrations for electricity in St. Elizabeth, the Jamaica Public Service Company is again seeking to assure frustrated residents that its crews are working to restore power to areas still in darkness.

 

Disgruntled residents of two North West St. Elizabeth communities took to the streets on Friday to vent their frustration with the delayed restoration of electricity to their communities.

 

Residents of Coker and Vauxhall blocked the Maggotty to Appleton road in the vicinity of the Coker Bridge with trees, stones and other debris.

 

The residents say following the passage of Hurricane Beryl, no representative from the Jamaica Public Service Company has visited their communities.

 

But speaking with Radio Jamaica News on Friday afternoon, Media Relations Officer at JPS, Audrey Williams, said the company is working feverishly to restore electricity to affected communities.

 

"We have been continuing our work to have every JPS customer energised. We do have some small pockets that we're working on, but as you may know, the vast majority, the vast majority of our customers are energised; they do have electricity, over 96 per cent of the customer base. With regards to the demonstrations, we understand the frustration and the inconvenience," she acknowledged. 

 

"Our teams are literally rebuilding sections of the St. Elizabeth network. Right now, we've actually restored over 60 per cent of our St. Elizabeth customer base, and we are continuing to work to get everyone in. So we're just asking them to bear with us for a little bit longer. We know it is hard, but we promise to get to you. We are working to have you energised as quickly as possible," said Ms. Williams. 

 

The roadblocks were later cleared by the police.

 

The Office of Utilities Regulation has directed JPS to ensure it meets its August 12 timeline for full restoration of service to customers affected by Hurricane Beryl.

 

The OUR said given that JPS has missed previously established timelines, the agency's directive, which took effect on Wednesday, July 31, requires the light and power company to comply with the latest restoration dates it has given.