97.5% customers restored, fewer than 17,000 still without power, says JPS boss
KINGSTON, Jamaica — President and CEO at the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) Hugh Grant has announced that 97.5 per cent of customers now have electricity, with over 673,000 households restored and fewer than 17,000 still without power as the company moves into the final stage of recovery.
Grant, who was speaking during a Post Cabinet press briefing on Wednesday, said the progress was the result of months of coordinated effort involving local and overseas crews, Government agencies and community leaders, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa that pummelled the island on October 28.
“This progress did not happen by chance. It reflects methodical preparation, investments in our grid, anchored with improvements in technology, disciplined planning, strong execution, and very, very importantly, heightened and effective partnerships,” he said.
He outlined that the remaining customers without service are concentrated mainly in Westmoreland and St Elizabeth, areas where infrastructure damage was most severe. Of the 17,000 still off the grid, roughly 9,341 are in Westmoreland and 6,370 in St Elizabeth.
According to Grant, JPS aims to reconnect another 7,000 customers by the end of February, bringing the total without power to fewer than 10,000. However, the company cautioned that many homes are not yet ready to receive electricity safely.
Despite the progress, Grant acknowledged the frustration of those still waiting.
“To the 9,341 customers in Westmoreland, the 6,370 customers in St Elizabeth… we see you, we hear you, we care about you, and we want to assure you that each and every one of you, let it be known that the work will not stop until every light is back on,” he said.
Grant promised that the utility company is targeting March to April 2026 for the final reconnections, depending on the readiness of individual premises.
“You have my word that we will not ease up, we will not rest until every customer is restored. Success for us is every household once again being able to live, work and care for family with the dignity, comfort and opportunity that reliable electricity provides,” he added.
