KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) has confirmed that approximately 240,000 customers are currently without electricity as Hurricane Melissa continues to pummel the island with high winds, rain, and lightning.
According to JPS, the hardest-hit parishes include St Elizabeth, Manchester, Hanover, and St James, where roughly 75% of customers are in the dark due to extensive storm damage.
Severe Impact Across Western Jamaica
JPS says several generation units, high-voltage substations, and transmission lines have been knocked offline by hurricane-force winds and lightning strikes.
The company described the damage as “widespread,” noting that crews are working under dangerous conditions to assess the system and restore service where it’s safe to do so.
Some Areas Still Have Light
The power company added that St Thomas, Kingston & St Andrew, St Catherine, and St Ann are among the least impacted, with fewer than 10% of customers currently affected in those parishes.
Despite growing speculation online, JPS President and CEO Hugh Grant assured Jamaicans that there are no plans to shut down the national grid.
“We continue to respond and work around the clock to restore customers in a safe and timely manner,” Grant said. “We encourage our customers to avoid being distracted by fake news and stay tuned to official JPS channels for updates.”
Safety First
JPS reminded residents to take precautions, stay indoors, and keep clear of fallen power lines, emphasizing that Hurricane Melissa has not yet fully passed the island.
The company says it will continue to provide updates on restoration efforts as conditions improve.
“Safety remains our top priority,” the utility said in a statement. “We urge all Jamaicans to protect life and property and allow our teams to work safely.”
