KINGSTON, Jamaica — Energy and Mining Minister Phillip Paulwell said he intends to order an independent probe into how the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) handled recovery activities following the passage of Hurricane Sandy.

The hurricane, which hit Jamaica at a category one rating caused billions of dollars in damage and was blamed for at least two deaths.

According to Paulwell the JPS should have mobilised its response teams earlier.

He added that a probe was necessary to determine areas in which the company could improve in the event of another disaster.  

But JPS chief executive officer, Kelly Tomlin, has rejected the assertion that the company was not adequately prepared even as she conceded that it erred in its announcements regarding the restoration time line.

Meanwhile, Paulwell has told the public that there should be no increased electricity bills as a result of the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy.

He said that any losses suffered by JPS should be recovered through a special fund.