KINGSTON, Jamaica— Energy Minister Daryl Vaz has written to the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) requesting a comprehensive report detailing the status of electricity restoration by community and parish across Jamaica following the passage of Hurricane Beryl on July 3.

The letter dated August 12, 2024, was sent to President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of JPS, Hugh Grant on the date that the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) had given to the utility company as a deadline to restore power to all customers who had been affected by the hurricane.

READ: OUR gives JPS August 12 deadline to restore power

“My latest correspondence to the JPS was prompted by what I am on record as stating is the totally unacceptable pace of restoration to some customers and the dismal performance in terms of ability to meet agreed timelines,” Vaz commented.

The ministry said in a statement on Tuesday that the information garnered from JPS will assist in evaluating overall recovery efforts.

The minister had also written to the OUR, requesting that it ask the JPS to provide a detailed account of the compassionate measures to be implemented for customers whose electricity service was not restored within the communicated timelines.

In response to the OUR August 12 deadline JPS had said that it would comply, but sections of St Elizabeth would not receive power until August 31 as some of its network need to be rebuilt.

READ: JPS says approximately 14,000 customers now without power

“Given that JPS has not met these restoration deadlines, the ministry anticipates an extension of service disconnection or penalties for all affected customers. The OUR is also requested to ensure that JPS immediately publishes updated restoration timelines,” Minister Vaz said in his letter to the leadership of the regulatory body.

He also insisted that JPS accurately communicate with the public concerning restoration timelines so customers may plan accordingly.

“JPS needs to come and explain to the customers what is the schedule for restoration between now and the 31st [August] and the OUR needs to tell Jamaica and the JPS customers what is the situation in relation to the timelines and if they are going to be sanctions on the JPS and if so what are the sanctions and what are they going to do with the fines and the money that is received from JPS to assist the suffering customers,” Vaz said.

He vowed that he will not relent until every customer has their electricity service restored. He further insists that customers who have been without electricity service be treated fairly and with compassion by the JPS.