A new initiative to improve energy efficiency at the National Water Commission (NWC) entered into force on September 14 via an agreement between the Jamaican Utility and the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), to fund a one-year energy efficiency and renewable energy project. The project will begin by targeting those NWC facilities which need to reduce energy use; output by facilities totals 40,000 MW per year. It is expected that this initiative will assist in reducing the approximately $5 billion that the NWC spends on electricity per year. Audits will be the first step in the multi-tiered project that aims to guide the implementation of energy-reduction strategies. Following the audit, renewable energy initiatives will begin at key facilities and then a programme of replacing inefficient electromechanical equipment is to be rolled out at selected facilities. According to USAID Mission Director, Maura Barry Boyle, the grant will help the NWC develop innovative financing mechanisms that will allow the agency to benefit from lower cost of electricity and reduced electricity load without high upfront expenditure. Thus far, 10 facilities have been selected for the audit and implementation process.
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