PCJ assists seniors home

PCJ assists seniors home

The Rolph Grant Senior Citizens' Home has seen its electricity bills fall by more than 40 per cent as a result of its energy-conservation programme, which was bolstered by the installation of a solar water heater system that was partially funded by a $500,000 contribution from the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica (PCJ).

The home, which was faced with electricity bills as high as $52,000 per month, is a self-supporting outreach initiative of the Webster Memorial United Church located in St Andrew. The facility, which was established 27 years ago as a retirement home for church members, has evolved into a nursing home that currently houses 29 residents ranging from 64 to 100 years old.

In an effort to reduce their electricity bill, the home's management committee began a conservation programme. The committee also undertook a fundraising drive to purchase a renewable energy solution and approached the PCJ for assistance.

The corporation responded favourably, as an area of focus for its social outreach is to support energy-efficiency interventions at the community level. The funding provided by the PCJ was allocated to the purchase of an 80-gallon solar water heater.

At the handing over on Tuesday, chairman of the management committee, Claudette Stephen, thanked the PCJ for their support.