JPS Leads First Inter-Utility Drill Ahead of the Hurricane Season

On Monday, March 31, JPS led a landmark inter-utility hurricane simulation exercise, 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).  Other participants included the Ministry of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport (MSETT), the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR), the JCF and the Municipal Corporations of St. Mary, Portland, Kingston and Saint Andrew.

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.

President and CEO of JPS, Mr. Hugh Grant, emphasized 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 organizations 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 will carry out additional drills over the coming weeks, further reinforcing its commitment to national readiness and ensuring that restoration efforts can be activated quickly and efficiently across the island