KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Energy Minister Daryl Vaz says more than 2,700 households have so far benefited from the first phase of the National Energy Poverty Reduction programme.
Under the programme, the Jamaican Government has allocated one billion dollars (One Jamaican dollar = US$ 0.008) to mobilise support for post-Hurricane Melissa electrification.
Vaz told a post-Cabinet press briefing that the works being undertaken include house wiring, minor building repairs, electrical certification, and restoring safe access to the national grid.
“(Some) 1,542 households are receiving minor building repairs alongside wiring and Government Electrical Regulator (GER) certification support. An additional 1,200 households are benefiting from the new house-wiring installations aimed at regularising electricity access,” he said.
In addition, approximately 6,000 households are receiving free inspection and certification services to ensure reconnections comply with the national electrical safety standards.
“From a financial standpoint, we are talking about 1,542 households, representing an investment of J$462 million. New house-wiring installations account for J$180 million while GER inspections and certification for 6,000 households represent an additional J$180 million in programme support,” Vaz added.
He said that the works are slated to be completed between February and April 2026.
“This is a grant; this is support that the Government is giving, and these householders are benefiting from anywhere between $150,000 and $300,000 per household, depending on the extent of the work that is being done.
“It is very important that we understand that the Government is using all its resources and using everything possible to [ensure] a joined-up approach working with Jamaica Public Service (JPS) to make sure that we get you recovered faster,” Vaz added.
Hurricane Melissa caused damage estimated at US$9.9 billion when it lashed the island on October 28 as a Category 5 storm.
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