Amman: 5,169 homes and 371 sites benefited from Jordan's rural electrification projects at a financial cost of about JD14,160,380 during the past year, according to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources. The Ministry highlighted the role of Fils Al Reef, a fee added to each kilowatt a household uses, in expanding the Kingdom's electricity network to cover all segments of the population.
According to Jordan News Agency, this effort mainly targeted small rural communities, particularly residential blocks consisting of only five homes, with 434 homes powered at a financial cost of JD2,129,644. Additionally, Fils Al Reef supported 929 individual homes located outside the regulatory boundaries, costing JD652,502.
In a statement Thursday, the Ministry affirmed its commitment to improving the living standards of residents in areas outside regulatory boundaries, providing support to impoverished households, with JD97,026 allocated to serve 97 homes. Furthermore, Fils Al Reef contributed to increasing the capacity of transformer stations to reduce weak power currents and electrical loss at a cost of JD208,444. The lighting of 104 cemeteries was financed at JD675,489 to enhance services for citizens.
In supporting productive sectors, 37 agricultural, industrial, and investment projects in areas outside regulatory boundaries benefited from Fils Al Reef at a total cost of JD1,019,306. The Ministry also noted Fils Al Reef's contribution in supporting government and security projects by allocating JD4,875,235 to assist government sectors, cooperatives, and charitable societies in remote areas.
In the context of exploiting alternative energy, a tender was issued to install solar cell systems connected to the Kingdom's network for 1,086 homes for underprivileged families. Solar systems were also allocated to benefit 1,493 military casualties, aiming to improve their life quality. Regarding the initiative to replace lighting units, 410,000 traditional lighting fixtures were replaced with energy-saving units (LED) at a cost of JD5 million, reducing financial burdens and achieving a safer environment in municipalities.
The Ministry pledged to continue implementing projects to support sustainable energy in remote areas to ensure a more sustainable and safe environment for citizens across the Kingdom. The Ministry emphasized that electricity delivery to Jordan's villages and rural communities, under regular networks or renewable energy sources, aims to reduce financial burdens on citizens, provide power to remote homes and sites, and cut electricity bills for low-income families.
On Fils Al Reef's policy, the Ministry stated that the initiative operates according to principles and instructions approved by the Council of Ministers, aiming to achieve local development and meet the needs of rural communities. The focus is on energy sustainability in remote areas by utilizing local sources, primarily solar energy.