KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) has announced a temporary customer relief programme as the country continues to recover from the impact of Hurricane Melissa.

The utility provider says it will suspend service disconnections and waive late-payment fees until December 15, while also offering flexible payment arrangements for customers who need additional support. The measures apply to all residential customers islandwide.

JPS Corporate Communications Director, Winsome Callum, said the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to stand with Jamaicans during a challenging period.

“Many Jamaicans are still picking up the pieces – repairing homes, supporting families and dealing with unexpected expenses,” Callum said. “This pause on disconnections and late fees is one way of giving our customers room to breathe, while we continue the hard work of rebuilding the network.”

She added that while some households did not lose electricity during the hurricane, many did, and some remain without power. “Our hearts go out to those whose lives have been disrupted by the hurricane, and we stand ready to work with them through this,” she said.

JPS is also urging customers who can afford to do so to make partial payments to avoid accumulating high balances. The company noted that bills being issued in the coming days reflect electricity usage that occurred mostly before the passage of Hurricane Melissa. Currently, about 70 per cent of JPS customers have been reconnected as restoration efforts continue across the island.

Beyond billing relief, JPS says it is providing on-the-ground support to communities in need. Through its VOLTS (Volunteers On Location To Serve) programme, employees have been assisting affected families, while the JPS Foundation and partner organisations have already supported more than 3,000 people in Westmoreland, St Elizabeth, and St James. Additional parishes will be included as recovery efforts expand.

Customers seeking more information can contact JPS through its Customer Care Centre at 888-CALL-JPS (FLOW) or 888-935-5577 (Digicel), via the JPS mobile app, or on social media at @myjpsonline.