OUR gets Utility Providers’ Updates about TS Rafael
(KINGSTON, Jamaica; 2024 November 5): The Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) has received updates from the four major utility providers on their preparations for any adverse effects on their services caused by Tropical Storm Rafael. The weather system is now affecting parts of the island and the operators will provide periodic updates on its impact and their restoration efforts.
At a meeting on 2024 November 5, the Jamaica Public Service Company Limited (JPS) indicated that it has activated its Incident Command Centre and will report daily to the OUR and the Ministry of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport on the status of the system and their restoration efforts. JPS said that it will provide updates on the status of the system, the impact on customers, their response and resource deployment, plans and challenges. They indicate that the updates will also allow them to identify areas that may require collaboration or assistance to ensure the electricity system returns to normalcy quickly.
Telecommunications providers FLOW and Digicel have also indicated that they have activated their Business Continuity Teams and have put mitigation measures in place.
The National Water Commission (NWC) has shared with the OUR its initiatives to keep its customers and the public advised of how its system is being affected by the adverse weather and the mitigation steps it has taken.
All the major utilities are expected to initiate their disaster planning process and activate preparedness and readiness protocols prior to the beginning of the hurricane season to enhance their ability to respond to and recover from, the impact of hurricanes likely to occur during the season. The OUR requested and received these reports ahead of the hurricane season.
In the case of JPS, there is also an established framework that outlines the strategy and procedures to guide the electricity restoration process after a disaster event, system emergency, or major system failure. This also involves procedures for the coordination of restoration activities among key stakeholders including government agencies and disaster preparedness organisations.
In keeping with its powers, which include to direct, investigate, conduct enquiries, request information, review maintenance plans, and approve and monitor quality standards, the OUR will maintain frequent contact with the utility providers and keep the public updated in relation to any impact of this Tropical Storm on service delivery and any related restoration efforts.
-30-
Contact: OUR’s Public Affairs Unit – publicaffairs@our.org.jmor 876-968-6053
