Amman, Oct. 8 (Petra) –– The Higher Steering Committee for the Fils Al-Reef program approved electricity connections and solar systems for about 204 homes and sites in September at a total cost of JD648,000.

The committee, chaired by Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Saleh Kharabsheh, approved projects covering residential communities and economic activities following amendments that expanded eligibility for electricity connections funded by Fils Al-Reef.

Hisham Momani, Director of the Electricity and Rural Electrification Directorate at the ministry, said JD185,000 was allocated to residential properties located both inside and outside municipal zoning boundaries.

Support for livestock farms, including poultry, cattle, sheep, and fish farms outside zoning boundaries, totaled JD24,000, while JD108,000 was allocated to farms with artesian wells.

Productive, industrial, investment, tourism, and other economic projects received JD191,000 in support, provided they create jobs for Jordanians living in the project areas.

Another JD48,000 was allocated to electricity connections for government-sector projects, while JD11,000 was approved for lighting roads leading to cemeteries.

The committee also approved grid-connected solar systems for 52 homes belonging to low-income families and beneficiaries of the National Aid Fund to help reduce monthly electricity costs.

In addition, JD29,000 was allocated to upgrade transformer capacity at stations established through the Fils Al-Reef program over the past 10 years to address weak electricity supply and reduce power losses.

Momani said applications for electricity connections to homes and facilities will continue to be processed under Cabinet-approved criteria and the committee’s decisions.

//Petra// AO