(Kingston, October 22, 2025) With the approach of Tropical Storm Melissa, JPS is preparing to activate its Emergency Operations to facilitate a coordinated response in the event of damage to the power delivery infrastructure. The Company is urging customers and members of the public to stay safe before, during and after the passage of the weather system. “We are particularly concerned about this system,” said Lance Becca, Chief Operating Officer at JPS. “The soil is already waterlogged due to several days of rain, and the system is expected to bring more. What this means is that we will likely experience flooding and landslides that could impact the network, causing outages.”
As part of ongoing efforts to improve and utilize industry best practices in relation to adverse weather conditions, JPS will be drawing on its partnerships with overseas contractors for mutual aid response. The first group of overseas line workers, from St. Vincent, is scheduled to arrive today.
Meanwhile, the Company is encouraging customers to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and their property. Customers are advised to have their service wires checked to ensure they are properly secured and free from damage, to prevent serious safety hazards during the storm. They are also being reminded to know where their circuit breaker is located, in case it becomes necessary to turn off the power supply on their premises.
Customers should also make sure that back-up generators are operational and gassed, and persons with solar installations are encouraged to ensure their battery energy storage systems are charged. Importantly, JPS is appealing to customers to make sure that their solar installations and generators are put on settings that prevent a back-feed onto the JPS grid – an issue that can be hazardous to members of the public and JPS crew working on power lines. Persons are also advised to unplug large or sensitive appliances, in case severe weather conditions result in fluctuations in power supply. Solar panels, roof fixtures and other equipment that are prone to displacement due to heavy winds and flooding, should be secured.
The JPS COO is also reminding customers that they should have flashlights, mobile chargers for cell phones and laptops, as well as battery-powered radios in the event of extended outages.
The power company is assuring customers that, in the event of a loss of power supply, every effort will be made to restore electricity safely and within the shortest possible time. However, the Company is urging patience, as crews may need to navigate challenging terrains to assess the power infrastructure and prioritize the restoration of essential services, large industrial zones, and major geographic areas before moving to individual communities.
“Above all else, we urge everyone to prioritize their personal safety and that of their families during this time,” Becca emphasized. “Each customer remains a priority, and we will develop and execute a restoration plan that is safe, efficient and operationally feasible to achieve full restoration as quickly as possible.”
JPS is encouraging the public to stay connected to its official communication channels for regular updates. Outages, downed lines, and other electricity-related issues can be reported through the MyJPS Mobile App. The Company may also be reached via the chat feature on its website at www.jpsco.com, or by calling 888-225-5577 or 888-935-5577.
