JPS leads first inter-utility drill ahead of 2025 Hurricane Season
/ Our Today
administrator
Light and power provider Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) says it led a landmark inter-utility hurricane simulation exercise on March 31, bringing together key national stakeholders to test and strengthen emergency response coordination.
The drill, built around a simulated Category 4 hurricane named ‘Kishane’, marked the first collaboration of its kind, uniting JPS, FLOW, Digicel, the National Water Commission (NWC), the National Works Agency (NWA), and the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM).
Focusing on the eastern section of the island, the simulation tested the entities’ response during the first 72 hours following a major storm impact—an intense period often marked by widespread infrastructure damage, communication challenges, and full grid shutdowns.
While JPS has consistently conducted annual hurricane drills as part of its emergency preparedness programme, this year marked a significant shift.
For the first time, the company extended the exercise to include other critical utility providers and disaster management partners, in recognition of the deeply interconnected nature of national infrastructure and essential services.
JPS chief executive Hugh Grant emphasised the importance of the initiative, stating: “Preparedness is not optional—it’s a necessity. Exercises like these are vital because they allow us to strengthen our coordination and identify any gaps before we’re in a real crisis. Each of our organisations is inextricably linked to the other in serving the Jamaican people, and our ability to recover quickly depends on how well we work together.”
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30—covering half the year—and for JPS, preparedness is a continuous priority. While year-round planning and system hardening are standard, activities are significantly ramped up as the season draws nearer.
JPS committed to carrying out additional drills over the coming weeks to reinforce its national readiness and ensure that restoration efforts can be activated quickly and efficiently across the island.
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