JPS Stocks Up on Poles and Transformers as Hurricane Season Begins

Kingston, Jamaica, 24 June 2026

The Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) says it has stocked up on key equipment and lined up outside help as the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season gets under way, drawing on lessons from Hurricane Melissa.

The utility outlined its preparations at a meeting of the St Mary Municipal Corporation’s Infrastructure and Traffic Management Committee on 16 June, where Le-Var Allen, a Customer Care Area Manager, briefed councillors on the company’s readiness.

More poles, transformers and partners

Mr Allen told the committee that no utility can stop a major storm from damaging its network, but that JPS has been working to shorten the time it takes to restore supply afterwards. The company has increased its inventory of poles, transformers and conductors so that repair crews are not left waiting for materials.

It has also made arrangements with regional and international partners who could be called in to support restoration work if the island is hit again.

Contractors are continuing to cut back vegetation near power lines across Jamaica, work intended to reduce outages caused by falling branches during high winds and heavy rain.

What households are asked to do

JPS asked residents to keep trees on their property trimmed away from power lines. Where branches are already touching the lines, people should contact the company instead of attempting to remove them themselves.

Households were also encouraged to put together an emergency kit with torches, batteries, non-perishable food and any medication family members need, and to review their family emergency plan so that everyone knows what to do before, during and after a storm.

What it means for homeowners and renters

With Hurricane Melissa still fresh in memory, reliable power is high on the list of concerns for many households. Homeowners can reduce their own risk by clearing overhanging branches early in the season, securing loose items in the yard and checking that roofs and shutters are in good repair.

Tenants should speak to landlords now about trees near lines and about who is responsible for storm preparation at the property. Keeping copies of important documents, a charged phone and basic supplies in one place can make a significant difference if the lights go out for days.

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