KINGSTON, Jamaica — Electricity provider Jamaica Public Service (JPS) is projecting that it will complete full restoration of services to the less than 2,000 customers still without electricity as a result of Tropical Storm Rafael by Sunday, November 10.

This projection comes as the company concludes its assessment of the damage to the electricity network caused by the heavy rains and strong winds associated with the tropical storm.

“We were prepared and had activated our 24-hour incident command operations early so that our teams could start restoration work as soon as it was safe to do so. As a result, we were able to get service back to most of our customers even before the full passing of the storm,” said JPS President & Chief Executive Officer, Hugh Grant.

He explained that this final phase of the restoration process would be the most time consuming.

“This is the difficult ‘last mile’ — when we tackle infrastructure that spans very difficult terrain, and isolated cases in affected communities,” Grant said.

“We understand the inconvenience of being without electricity service for an extended period and so our teams are laser-focused on getting power back to the affected customers as safely and quickly as possible over the next three days. We are working with the relevant agencies to gain access to communities that have been blocked off by landslides, and we will not stop until every customer is back on the grid,” Grant promised.

JPS is reminding everyone that, although the storm has passed, it is still important to take safety precautions to protect life and property. Members of the public are urged to drive carefully on wet and flooded roadways, and to stay away from fallen poles and downed power lines.

Reports can be made to JPS using the MyJPS Mobile App, social media channels @myjpsonline or by calling 888-225-5577 / 888-CALL JPS.