OUR: Limited capacity prevents full verification of losses reported by utility providers

The Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) says it relies largely on self-reported data from utility providers on losses they incur.

“We don’t have the capacity to actually do a universal check on this information,” said Ansord Hewitt, OUR director general at Wednesday's meeting of Parliament’s Public Administration and Appropriations Committee.

Opposition Member Nekeisha Burchell questioned how the regulator verifies the figures submitted by utility companies on losses linked to Hurricane Melissa.

While noting that self-reported data is “helpful,” Burchell asked what mechanisms are used to ensure the information “matches the reality on the ground.”

Hewitt said some checks, including on-site visits, are done and there have been "occasions" when the OUR questioned figures submitted by service providers.

Jamaica Public Service, the country's main power provider, has reported that it needs US$350 million to rebuild its infrastructure. It is to receive a US$150 million (J$24 billion) government loan to fast-track electricity restoration.

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