JPS Announces Relief Programme for Residential Customers Affected by Hurricane Beryl

The Jamaica Public Service (JPS) has unveiled a comprehensive relief initiative aimed at providing financial relief to residential customers impacted by the recent Category 4 Hurricane Beryl. This move comes as part of the company’s JPS Hurricane Beryl Relief Programme, announced on Tuesday, designed to mitigate the effects of the devastating storm.

Relief Measures for Residential Customers

Approximately 350,000 residential customers will benefit from this initiative, with JPS offering a 20 percent discount on the bills of customers who consume 150 kWh of electricity or less for the month. This discount will be automatically applied to current charges and will appear on bills issued starting in August. Furthermore, active prepaid residential customers will receive a one-time top-up of $1,500 in electricity credit.

Addressing Recent Billing Issues

Damian Obiglio, Chairman and Acting President & CEO of JPS, acknowledged the recent billing challenges faced by customers due to operational disruptions caused by Hurricane Beryl. “The fact is, JPS is mandated to issue bills to its customers for a 30-day period. We used the standard methodology established by the OUR to calculate estimated bills,” Obiglio explained. Customers were previously informed that their electricity bills for the June-July period might be estimated because of the hurricane’s impact.

In response to these challenges, JPS has submitted a proposal to the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) seeking a review of the current mechanism for calculating estimated bills, particularly for customers experiencing extended outages due to the hurricane. “The objective is to minimize the impact on persons who could end up being worse off as a result of being estimated using the regulatory prescribed methodology,” Obiglio added.

Community Support and Outreach

Beyond financial relief, JPS has also relaxed its collections and disconnection processes to further ease the burden on affected customers. The JPS Foundation, along with JPS Volunteers On Location To Serve (VOLTS), has distributed care packages to 200 families in the communities of Flagaman, Bull Savannah, Malvern, and Parottee. These packages include food supplies, tarpaulins, ice, and provisions for charging stations.

Special efforts are being made to support the elderly and disabled, as well as providing back-to-school assistance in certain communities. JPS teams have been actively engaging with residents in various communities to discuss the restoration process and address their immediate needs. Visits have been made to St. Mary, Clarendon, Manchester, and St. Elizabeth, with plans to extend outreach to Hanover, Westmoreland, and additional areas in St. Elizabeth later this week.

Conclusion

The JPS Hurricane Beryl Relief Programme underscores the company’s commitment to supporting its customers during times of crisis. By offering financial discounts, revising billing mechanisms, and providing essential supplies, JPS aims to alleviate some of the hardships faced by residents in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl. This proactive approach highlights JPS’s dedication to community support and resilience in the face of natural disasters.