THE National Housing Trust (NHT) is reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and climate resilience with its SMART Energy Grant, which has already transformed the lives of 560 retirees.

Another 840 retirees are projected to benefit by year’s end.

The grant provides retired NHT contributors with up to $1.5 million to install solar energy systems in their homes, helping them reduce energy costs and improve resilience to power outages.

Launched in 2024 and expanded in 2025 to include both public and private sector retirees, the programme supports 420 beneficiaries annually, 30 per parish.

Geneve McCulloch, a 71-year-old retired public sector worker who installed her system earlier this year, described the impact on her daily life.

“When I got my first bill it was $193. I was in shock. I have never seen a bill that low in my life. And when there’s a power outage, I don’t even notice. It has made my life so much easier,” she shared with relief.

According to Dwayne Berbick, NHT assistant general manager, corporate communication and public affairs, the initiative goes beyond financial relief as the programme plays a crucial role in advancing Jamaica’s renewable energy targets and strengthening community resilience to climate change.

“Through the SMART Energy Grant we are investing in people, dignity, and resilience, ensuring that our pensioners live more comfortably while helping to advance a more sustainable Jamaica for future generations,” he said.

The grant is part of the NHT’s wider sustainability framework which also includes upgrading older housing communities through disaster mitigation works and infrastructure rehabilitation projects. Together, these initiatives highlight the NHT’s holistic approach to nation-building, providing not only affordable housing solutions but communities that are modern, resilient, and sustainable.