KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) is grappling with significant power outages impacting several customers following the fierce weather conditions brought on by Tropical Storm Rafael. Reports indicate that many areas, particularly in the southern and western regions of the island, are currently without electricity.
In a statement released on Tuesday morning, JPS President and CEO Hugh Grant highlighted the ongoing challenges the storm has posed to the electricity network. “It’s still too early to assess the full extent of the damage caused by the tropical storm,” Grant noted. “Our teams are actively monitoring the situation and have identified outages affecting numerous customers in various parishes.”
While the company is prioritizing a swift restoration of power, Grant emphasized the importance of safety for both the restoration crews and the public. “Before the storm hit, we implemented our 24-hour Adverse Weather Incident Command, preparing our teams and resources to respond to outages promptly. However, some locations may remain inaccessible due to hazardous conditions, delaying immediate repairs,” he explained.
Grant urged the public to exercise caution around fallen power lines and damaged infrastructure, reminding them to treat all downed lines as live and dangerous. “We advise everyone to steer clear of fallen poles and power lines, and to report any incidents to us directly,” he stated.
In addition, JPS cautioned customers against the risks of paying unlicensed individuals to restore their power. Grant reiterated that reconnection services are provided free of charge by authorized JPS personnel. “Engaging unauthorized operators for reconnection puts you and your property at risk. We urge anyone approached for payment for reconnection services to report this behavior to JPS or the authorities immediately,” he warned.
Understanding the frustration that comes with power disruptions, Grant assured customers that JPS is committed to transparent communication throughout the restoration process. “We recognize the inconvenience caused by these outages and are dedicated to providing regular updates on our progress in restoring power,” he concluded.
