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PM meets with JPS as frustration builds in areas still without power

Prime Minister Andrew Holness
By Nakinskie Robinson 
  
Prime Minister Andrew Holness says a review of the legislative framework governing utility companies will begin shortly.
 
This follows public outcry about the slow pace of electricity restoration in sections of the island most affected by Hurricane Beryl.
 
He said the government is also dissatisfied with the restoration efforts by the Jamaica Public Service Company.
 
The Prime Minister, who was speaking at the official launch of the Rebuilding Jamaica Initiative earlier on Monday, indicated that he would be holding talks with the light and power company. 
 
While acknowledging that the company is a private entity, he noted that JPS performs "an indispensible and most important public function, which is regulated under law by an independent utilities regulator, which essentially takes the government out of the regulatory space". 
 
Still, he said this does not take away legislative authority, so the government will have to "take a second look" at the legislative framework in an effort to tighten regulations and ensure customers are protected. 
 
Radio Jamaica News was advised that Mr. Holness met with JPS executives at Jamaica House on Monday afternoon.
 
Several communities in southern and western Jamaica remain without power just over a month after Beryl impacted the island and damaged the electricity grid.


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