KINGSTON, Jamaica – Hurricane Beryl contributed to a 103 per cent increase in complaints to the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) during the 2024 July-September period, the majority of which were aimed at the Jamaica Public Service (JPS).

The OUR says its Consumer Affairs Unit (CAU) received 1,581 contacts for the quarter and the JPS registered 908 of those, followed by the National Water Commission (NWC) with 256; while Columbus Communications (Flow) and Cable and Wireless Jamaica Limited (Flow) accounted for 186 and 162, respectively.

The JPS, also racked up a $40.64 million bill because of over 20,648 guaranteed standards breaches committed during the quarter. The company is currently awaiting a response from the Ministry of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport (MSETT) for force majeure relief, or a suspension, due to the effects of Hurricane Beryl which affected its ability to meet the requirements of the guaranteed standards.

Similarly, the NWC had 3,987 guaranteed standards breeches during the review period, with a potential payout of approximately $18.53 million. However, actual payments amounted to $5.26 million, and were made through automatic credits to the affected accounts. The remaining 72 per cent of potential payments were not made as customers did not submit claim forms.

Billing matters, at 50 per cent, remained the main reason utility consumers contacted the CAU, and service interruption remained the second highest reason, accounting for 29 per cent of total contacts, followed by poor service quality, irregular supply, disconnection, and other issues.