A new entity to replace the Rural Electrification Programme (REP) has been mandated to develop renewable energy solutions for Jamaicans who live too far from the national power grid.
Making his contribution to the Budget Debates yesterday, Energy Minister, Phillip Paulwell, said the REP had been renamed Jamaica Energy Solutions Limited and given a new mission.
He said the Rural Electrification programme had largely completed its mandate by bringing Jamaica’s electrification rate to 98 per cent and wiring 80,000 homes.
He said the remaining two per cent of homes, are mostly in remote areas that are more than three kilometers from the grid.
He says the new entity will seek to bring power to these remaining houses and work with Jamaica Public Service Limited to reduce electricity theft and to promote energy efficiency.
Jamaica Energy Solutions Limited will also provide project management services for design and implementation of energy solutions for major housing initiatives by state agencies.
Source: Go-Jamaica.com