KINGSTON, Jamaica — Energy Minister Daryl Vaz has described the recent measures taken by Jamaica Public Service (JPS) Ltd. in response to Hurricane Beryl as “the beginning” of ongoing relief efforts. His remarks follow JPS’s swift actions to address the issues raised by the Minister in Parliament regarding power restoration and billing practices.
In a statement made on Tuesday, Vaz highlighted the urgent need for timely restoration of power and effective communication between service providers and the public. The hurricane left many Jamaicans without electricity, and Vaz emphasized the importance of clear and accurate communication, particularly concerning billing during such crises.
In response, JPS issued an advisory on estimated billing to ensure transparency and clarity as restoration efforts continue. This advisory aims to address concerns that some customers have faced extended power outages for up to three weeks after the hurricane.
“We appreciate the response of the Jamaica Public Service to the concerns raised in Parliament today,” Vaz said. “Their communication marks a start and we believe there are remedies that can be improved, and we will pursue them together with JPS and the OUR (Office of Utilities Regulation).”
Vaz urged affected residents to stay informed through official channels and to contact JPS with any concerns or queries about their electricity services. He also called for patience from consumers as efforts toward normalization continue.