Jamaica operating on ‘slim’ power generation reserve margin following Melissa - Vaz

Energy Minister Daryl Vaz says Jamaica is now operating on a “slim” power generation reserve margin due to the unavailability of some generation units and required high-voltage transmission lines.

Scores of utility poles and power lines were brought down by Hurricane Melissa.

Speaking at a press briefing at Jamaica House on Thursday, Vaz indicated that the available capacity is 190.5 megawatts while the required generation is expected to peak at 185 megawatts.

He said steps are being taken to address the matter.

Meanwhile, Vaz said the Jamaica Public Service continues to restore electricity to customers left in the dark due to the storm.

He disclosed that over the last 24 hours more than 52,000 customers got back power.

He said about 490,000 or 72 per cent of the customer base is still without power.

JPS has approximately 700,000 customers.

Most of the customers with electricity are in Kingston and St Andrew, St Catherine and St Thomas, however, Vaz said there are reports of low voltage across the entire parish of St Thomas.

Power has been restored to eight major hospitals and the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston.

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