OUR intervenes after JPS customer left without power overnight following lightning strike

A Jamaica Public Service Company customer who lost electricity during heavy rain and lightning has had power restored after the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) stepped in on their behalf.

The resident told the regulator they heard a loud boom followed by popping sounds around 1:00 p.m. during yesterday's storm, after which the lights went out. Their house alone was affected. They also noticed a smell like burning wire and worried the strike may have damaged appliances and the electrical connections serving the property.

The customer reported the fault through the JPS mobile app as directed but remained without electricity past 10:00 a.m. the following morning. Working from home, the prolonged outage disrupted daily business.

Under the OUR's guaranteed standards for electricity service, JPS must respond to emergencies involving equipment or infrastructure damage within five hours. From the account provided, the utility may have breached that requirement.

The OUR contacted JPS directly. Electricity has since been restored, and checks found no damage to equipment.

Affected customers are advised to review their next bill for any compensation linked to a breach of the guaranteed standards. If none appears, they should seek an explanation from JPS.

Consumers with queries may email [email protected] or call 876-968-6053.