Amman, June 14 (Petra) -- The Higher Steering Committee of Fils Al-Reef, chaired by Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Saleh Al-Kharabsheh, has approved a new package of electricity projects aimed at extending service to underserved areas across the Kingdom.

The latest approvals cover 199 homes and various sites for the month of May, with a total investment of approximately JD 1.053 million. The initiative will deliver electricity through a combination of traditional grid extensions and off-grid solar energy systems, depending on the location and feasibility.

Hisham Al-Momani, Director of the Electricity and Rural Electrification Directorate, said the program reflects ongoing efforts to expand access to electricity in rural and remote communities, in line with updated regulations designed to broaden eligibility for government-supported connections. The projects include residential clusters, small settlements, and a range of economic activities.

According to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, priority has been given to households located outside zoning boundaries, along with vulnerable families with limited income. The plan also supports agricultural activity, including livestock farms such as poultry, cattle, sheep, and fish production, as well as farms relying on groundwater wells.

In addition to agriculture, funding has been allocated to productive and investment-oriented ventures, including industrial, tourism, and commercial projects, particularly those expected to create job opportunities for local communities. Public and community-serving facilities, such as government sites, cooperatives, and charitable organizations, are also included in the program.

The initiative further extends to infrastructure improvements, including the installation of lighting along roads leading to cemeteries to improve safety and accessibility during nighttime hours.

In a move toward cleaner energy solutions, the committee also approved a standalone solar power system for one low-income household in a remote area where connection to the national grid is not practical.

Al-Momani described the program as part of a broader national strategy to balance rural development, social support, and renewable energy expansion.

//Petra//WH