OUR says utilities mobilised as storm Rafael brings floods and landslides

The Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) says Jamaica's four major utility providers have all activated response protocols to manage potential disruptions from the effects of Tropical Storm Rafael, which passed near the island Tuesday. 

Landslides, flooded streets, and damaged roadways have been reported in several parishes. 

In a statement Tuesday afternoon, the utilities regulator said the Jamaica Public Service Company Limited (JPS), the country's main power provider,  telecoms firms FLOW and Digicel, and the National Water Commission (NWC) have provided updates on their response. 

At a November 5 meeting, JPS informed the OUR that it has activated its Incident Command Centre, pledging daily reports to both the OUR and the Ministry of Science, Energy, Telecommunications, and Transport.

JPS, which faced significant government and public backlash over its response to Hurricane Beryl in July, will provide status updates on system impact, customer restoration, resource allocation, and any areas needing collaboration.

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Telecommunication companies FLOW and Digicel have mobilised their business continuity teams and implemented mitigation measures, while the NWC has set up public advisories on service impacts and restoration actions, the OUR says. 

"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," the OUR said.