Hundreds Sign Up for Gov’t’s House Wiring Programme in St. Thomas

A record-breaking turnout was seen at the Government’s House Wiring Programme in St. Thomas on Thursday (June 4) as more than 400 residents applied to benefit from the initiative.

The programme, implemented by the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF), in partnership with the Ministry of Energy, Transport and Telecommunications and the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS), provides vulnerable households across the island with the opportunity to become regularised electricity consumers.

“St. Thomas has been overwhelming. Today (Thursday), we’ve had the largest number of households turn up for any single house-wiring initiative. Since Hurricane Melissa, we’ve had over 12 of these functions and, on average, we have between 100 to 200 persons. Today, in St Thomas, we had over 400 households who come out and have expressed an interest to be part of the programme,” said Project Manager with responsibility for JSIF’s National Energy Poverty Reduction Programme, Dane McLean.

He spoke with JIS News during the sign-up event, which was held at the Social Development Commission (SDC) office in Springfield, St. Thomas.

Mr. McLean noted that not all persons could be accommodated on Thursday.

He added that the number of days for St. Thomas would be extended and confirmed that the team would return on Friday, June 6, to ensure that no resident is left behind under the initiative.

The Project Manager explained that the programme is designed to reach individuals living in vulnerable communities.

“Once you are in the community, once you want to become regularised and have your home wired and be a customer with JPS, you can come, bring your ID, Taxpayer Registration Number (TRN) and we support you in that regard,” Mr. McLean said.

Under the programme, the Government provides a grant that covers full house wiring for successful applicants, along with a starter package comprising two lights and two plugs.

Beneficiaries also have their homes certified by the Government Electrical Regulator.

In addition, successful applicants benefit from JPS’s prepaid electricity service, which eliminates monthly bills and allows for low-value top-ups, giving customers greater flexibility to budget and manage their electricity usage.

“They can top up as low as $200, $500… or as their income allows. Persons are able to buy credit and top up their account to receive electricity access,” Mr. McLean said.

Beneficiaries will also receive a smart prepaid meter, along with a $4,000 electricity credit covering the first six months of service.

Customer Onboarding Manager at JPS, Stacey Passley-Brown, explained that the company’s partnership with JSIF creates a one-stop shop for consumers.

“JPS is here to provide the office services, where we take their documents towards them signing a contract with us. So, once the house wiring is completed and passed, it is handed over to us and we just continue with the process,” she said.