KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s utilities regulator said on Tuesday it would monitor temporary customer billing relief measures announced by major service providers following the widespread damage caused by Hurricane Melissa.

The Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) said it had written to major utility providers after the hurricane, requesting details on their plans to address customer billing. It sent similar letters to smaller private water and sewerage operators.

The Jamaica Public Service Company Limited (JPS) said it would suspend electricity service disconnections and late-payment fees until December 15, and would offer flexible payment arrangements for residential and general service customers needing support.

The National Water Commission (NWC) stated it would cease billing in the hardest-hit communities until service is restored. It will also review November’s estimated bills for customers without service since the hurricane and extend an amnesty programme for small businesses until December 31.

Telecommunications providers Digicel and FLOW have also announced relief measures, including pausing disconnections, waiving late fees and offering applicable rebates.

The OUR said it acknowledged the measures and was encouraging all providers to apply reasonable consideration when billing and to keep customers informed as services are restored.