Lone-household blackout prompts OUR to steer resident toward JPS calls and error checks

The Office of Utilities Regulation has answered a household that reported losing electricity for about a day while neighbouring premises stayed on supply, with Jamaica Public Service staff insisting the matter be handled through its mobile application.

In the “Ask Lorna” segment, presenter Nicole Morgan McKay read a message that said, in part: “Dear OUR, my electricity went out at home yesterday and I'm still without power. My house alone and I don't owe them any money. JPS keeps telling me I have to put everything in their app, but this is frustrating. It's been 24 hours and still no power. OUR, help.”

The regulator thanked the writer for raising the issue and said it hoped the person had since reached JPS to learn why the interruption lasted so long. It also said it hoped the stoppage was not traceable to a fault inside the dwelling’s own electrical installation.

Because the file lacked fuller particulars, OUR directed the resident to telephone JPS on 888-225-5577 or 888-935-5577 to report the problem. Where every bill is settled, the account shows a nil balance, and a cut-off was applied in error, the customer could be eligible for special compensation under the JPS Guaranteed Standards, the office added.