Minister Vaz Urges JPS to Meet Deadlines for Electricity Restoration

Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport, Hon. Daryl Vaz, is urging the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) to “pull out all stops” to meet the deadlines for the restoration of electricity in communities across the island.

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

The Minister, in a statement in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (July 23), noted that the lack of electricity is not only impacting citizens but also the ability of the National Water Commission (NWC) to fully service its customers across all parishes.

Mr. Vaz pointed out further that several persons have medical conditions that require electricity for the refrigeration of medication or use of machines.

“This cannot continue and with the help of our regional partners now in the island, I urge the utility provider to pull out all stops to ensure they meet the deadlines and expectations to restore all NWC pumps and National Irrigation Commission (NIC) pumps for irrigation for the farmers of Jamaica,” he said.

The Minister indicated that he is in contact with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for support “as I need to make sure that JPS has the capacity to effect full restoration in the timelines needed, which is now.”

“This Government will do everything legally possible to ensure that we reinforce the ability of the JPS to have power restored across the island as soon as possible,” he pledged.

The Minister told the House that he is awaiting the report of the outcome of a meeting between the JPS and the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR).

“Based on the results of that, it is my intention to meet with the management, board and shareholders of JPS so that they can further understand my concerns and for them to give me a detailed schedule of locations for customers still not connected and a firm schedule with timelines for them to address,” he said.

The JPS reports that approximately 19,000 customers, not including St. Elizabeth, remain without electricity supply, however the Minister has indicated that the information regarding electricity restoration may be incomplete.

On the matter of sending customers estimated bills, the Minister said the JPS has informed that it is working from the terms and conditions of a licence granted in January 2016, that gives the entity the power to use estimated bills, which they have done several times before.

The Minister, in lamenting the move by the power company said “Jamaica should never be put in this position again, where a utility licence granted seemingly protects the provider more than the customers.”

“The JPS licence comes up for re-negotiation in 2027 and we must make sure, as a country, that any new licence protects the people and not just JPS,” he said.

At the same time, the JPS has written to invoke “force majeure” and obtain relief from their obligations under the current licence but have yet to outline any form of restitution or reprieve for customers, who have been disrupted for over three weeks.

“For context, FLOW and Digicel have both communicated their own mitigative and restorative measures to the government and their customers. We hope and expect that JPS will be moved to do the same and do the right thing and do it now,” Mr. Vaz said.

Turning to the demonstrations taking place in communities, the Ministry said he understands the frustrations of the citizens, but noted that “these demonstrations will not help”.

“Currently, I have the utility provider requesting leave to avoid areas for fear of the safety of their teams. These demonstrations will only serve to put your communities further down on the list for restoration by the JPS as they will think their safety and that of their teams are at risk,” he said.

“While I understand all the frustration being faced by my fellow Jamaicans, I assure you that I am in contact with all 62 Members of Parliament and Cabinet remains committed to ensuring that we hold JPS accountable to effect the timely restoration of electricity to all communities,” he added.