KINGSTON, Jamaica — In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) has authorized an immediate allocation of US$5 million from the Electricity Disaster Fund (EDF) to the Jamaica Public Service Company Limited (JPS). This funding aims to accelerate the mobilization of critical resources necessary for power restoration across the island. JPS has already initiated extensive measures, including the deployment of over 60 linemen from the eastern Caribbean and North America, alongside the strategic positioning of personnel, equipment, and inventory in key locations to ensure swift restoration efforts. The electricity provider is mandated to submit a comprehensive report detailing the expenditure of the allocated funds. Additionally, JPS has pledged to engage independent assessors to expedite damage evaluations and streamline the claims process, ensuring transparency and efficiency in the recovery operations.