Funds from Energy Poverty Reduction Project to Assist Hurricane-Impacted Families

Funds from the previously allocated $1 billion under the National Energy Poverty Reduction project will be used to assist families severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa.

Addressing Wednesday’s (December 10) post-Cabinet press briefing on Hurricane Melissa recovery activities at Jamaica House, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport Minister, Hon. Dary Vaz, said the move is part of Government’s targeted support for vulnerable households.

“It is expected to benefit thousands of households across seven parishes and 14 priority zones,” he said.

The programme, which will be implemented by the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) between September 2025 and March 31, 2026, focuses on restoring safe electrical access, repairing homes, providing house-wiring for regularisation, and supporting Government Electrical Regulator (GER) recertification.

It will also offer small solar solutions to vulnerable groups.

“We anticipate a total cost of $1.479 billion, leaving a funding gap of $479 million. We continue to work through the appropriate mechanisms to close that gap,” Minister Vaz said, noting that an appeal will be made to the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service.