St. George’s, Wednesday, January 20, 2011 – The Grenada government has signaled its intention to implement a new program to improve the living standard of the country’s poor.

The Energy Poor Program will assist Grenadians who now use firewood and charcoal to prepare their meals.

Plans for the program were announced in parliament by Social Development Minister, Sylvester Quarless, during his contribution to the 2011 budget.

His ministry, together with the Ministries of Finance and Housing, will be spearheading the Energy Poor Program.

In preparation for the launch of the program, an energy survey is being conducted throughout the nation. It’s aimed at identifying those Grenadians who are eligible for the program. If they qualify, they’ll receive a gas stove and free cooking gas for approximately six months or on six occasions.
The pilot program, funded by Petro-Caribe, also has the support of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

Future expansion of the program may include retro-fitting houses and providing electricity to those homes.