JPS says restoration 'on track' as August 12 deadline arrives

By Prince Moore    

 

The Jamaica Public Service Company is reporting that it is on track to deliver on its commitment to restore electricity to all parishes except for sections of St. Elizabeth by today's deadline.

 

The Office of Utilities Regulation has stated that it will fine the light and power company J$2 million if it misses the August 12 deadline to have power restored to the majority of its customers except where there may be accessibility issues.

 

Section 9 subsection 2 of the OUR Act stipulates a fine not exceeding $2 million.

 

Director of Corporate Communications at the JPS Winsome Callum said the company has been working around the clock to meet the deadline.

 

"We have been pulling out all the stops because we want to get the power back to our customers as quickly as possible. So right now, what I can say is that we are doing everything possible to deliver to our customers on the 12th of August," she said, noting that significant progress has been made in electricity restoration.

 

She admitted that accessibility challenges have delayed restoration efforts in Firehole, Hanover and an area in rural St. Andrew, but maintained that outside of these exceptions the company was "optimistic" that it could deliver on the August 12 restoration timelines. 

 

 

Meanwhile, Energy Minister Daryl Vaz wants the Office of Utilities Regulation to outline how the money it will receive through fines from the JPS will be used to assist customers affected by the lack of electricity for over a month.

 

Mr. Vaz said he will be writing the OUR and the JPS on Monday for a comprehensive update on affected areas and restoration efforts.

 

The minister said he also wants the OUR to provide details on how the affected customers will be compensated. 

 

"I want to know from the OUR and the JPS, what are you going to do for these particular customers who have only been restored in August, and now those who have been pushed back to the end of August? And I want to know from the OUR in relation to whatever fines are levied on the JPS, how is that money going to be used to help those persons?" Mr. Vaz questioned.    

 

He was speaking Sunday on Radio Jamaica's That's a Rap.

 

Opposition Spokesman on Energy Phillip Paulwell is cautioning the Jamaica Public Service Company to ensure the restoration of electricity is done in a safe manner.

His comment follows complaints from some residents that live wires remained on the ground after the light and power company restored electricity in their community.

"I don't think enough care is being taken to be as meticulous as possible and to ensure that you don't have to repeat visits to places where you have done restoration. The JPS has to undertake its work much more seriously and professionally, and again, we have to call them out in this instant," Mr. Paulwell complained.