The Office of Utilities Regulation is seeking input from utility customers about the kind of relief that can be applied in the event of a natural disaster.
OUR's Director of Consumer and Public Affairs, Yvonne Nicholson says there are provisions for utility providers to be able to request relief from some of their obligations under force majeure conditions.
Force majeure events are acts, events, or circumstances beyond the parties' control, including natural disasters such as hurricanes, epidemics, or the outbreak of hostilities.
Such conditions may affect the obligations of customers and utility providers under their mutual agreement for service, payment of bills as per contract, and quality of service agreements, such as the Guaranteed Standards.
But there are no provisions for electricity, water, or telecoms customers when such events occur.
The OUR says in the past, following a natural disaster, such as a hurricane, some utility providers have extended discretionary relief measures such as a moratorium on collections and disconnection processes and compliance, bill discounts, credits or top-ups, direct cash in the form of care packages or flexible payment arrangements, to their customers.
The regulatory agency says it will also examine the Terms and Conditions of Service and other regulatory documentation that act as contracts for providing services to customers of the four major utility providers.
Persons who wish to share feedback with the OUR are being advised to visit its website at our.org.jm and follow the link to complete the survey. The questionnaire should be completed by April 30.
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