The Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) has reported that more that 16,000 Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) customers across the island are yet to get back electricity more that one month after Hurricane Beryl ravaged sections of the island.

According to the OUR, this is based on the most recent restoration schedule provided by JPS as of August 6.

The OUR reiterated that, mindful of the increasing hardship being faced by customers and consumers who are without electricity services, including the other utility services which are dependent on the availability of electricity, it issued a directive on July 31 instructing JPS to repair its damaged network infrastructure and follow its schedule to restore power to its customers who are currently without electricity.

The directive requests JPS’s compliance with 100 per cent restoration of electricity to consumers by August 12, except for those communities which are subject to inaccessibility issues.

“The JPS is to provide the OUR with regular reports on the progress of its restoration efforts. However, the OUR requests that customers contact its Consumer Affairs Unit if there are discrepancies between JPS’s schedule and their experience. Contact: consumer@our.org.jm or 876-968-6053,” said the regulator.

According to its latest Hurricane Beryl restoration schedule, JPS said that it achieved 97.67 per cent restoration of its customers and it would restore supply to the remaining customers subject to any inaccessibility issues.

“It has reported that it is on track for the restoration in all parishes with a delay beyond August 12 only in St Elizabeth (South Western). JPS has also committed to restoring priority areas identified by the National Water Commission so that water can be returned to communities,” said the OUR.

Failure to comply with the OUR directive within the time specified will render JPS liable to enforcement action pursuant to Section 9 of the Office of Utilities Regulation Act.