Energy Minister Expresses Concern About Information Variation

Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport, Hon. Daryl Vaz, has expressed concern regarding the variation in information from the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) and constituents, on the restoration of electricity in several communities.

Several areas remain without power since the passage of Hurricane Beryl on July 3.

“Let me categorically state that as of this morning (Wednesday) at 9:05, I have already heard from over 20 Members of Parliament overnight into this morning who are still maintaining that the majority of their constituencies are out of power,” the Minister said at yesterday’s (July 24) post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House.

“So, again, this leads me to the point where the information that is coming out of JPS and what is happening on the ground are at odds, and we have got to find a way to make sure that we are all on the same page,” Minister Vaz added.

He said the prolonged power outage will have negative implications on various sectors islandwide.

“There are still several NWC (National Water Commission) pumps that are out after three weeks and several National Irrigation Commission pumps that supply water to farmers across the length and breadth of Jamaica. The farmers of this country cannot get back to earn a livelihood if they are unable to replant or unable to continue to water whatever is left of their produce,” the Minister noted.

Mr. Vaz said he is also concerned about the timeline established by the light and power company for its relaxed collection and disconnection processes.

Citing information from the JPS’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO), he said the company has not disconnected customers for nonpayment of bills since the passage of the hurricane and will continue to suspend disconnections up until August 15.

He further said that the JPS will also continue to facilitate flexible payment arrangements for customers who need extensions on their due dates.

He added that the CFO said requests are being dealt with on a case-by-case basis, so persons requiring extensions can make their requests using the MyJPS mobile application or contacting the JPS customer care.

“I am not sure that August 15, with a hurricane on July 3, is a realistic deadline for the relaxation of disconnections,” Mr. Vaz said.

Meanwhile, he commended the JPS for the announced concessions and discounts that will be offered to customers.

The JPS has announced a Hurricane Beryl relief programme that includes providing concessions and discounts for approximately 350,000 residential customers.

Mr. Vaz noted, too, that he will be meeting with management, Board of Directors and shareholders of the light and power company “to make sure that we are all aligned”.

“And most importantly, that the Directors and shareholders of the JPS are aware of the situation facing their customers in Jamaica,” Minister Vaz said.