GEBE, Govt. launch one-year utility relief pilot program

GREAT BAY--N.V. Gemeenschappelijk Electriciteitsbedrijf Bovenwindse Eilanden (NV GEBE) and the Government of St. Maarten, through the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor’s Division of Labor Affairs and Social Services (DLASS), announced today the launch of a one-year pilot program to provide utility bill relief for vulnerable members of the community.

The pilot program will provide up to XCG 50,000 in monthly relief to eligible financial aid recipients and community members, helping to ease the financial burden of utility costs for those most in need. Through this initiative, qualifying individuals can receive up to XCG 250 per month in utility bill deductions.

“This partnership represents our commitment to supporting the most vulnerable members of our community,” said Mr. Thomas Roggendorf, Transition Manager of NV GEBE. “By working together with the Government and Social Services, we can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives during challenging economic times.”

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬

The relief will be administered through a voucher system, with each voucher valued at XCG 50. Eligible members can receive up to five vouchers per month, providing a maximum monthly relief of XCG 250 on their utility bills. Social Services will determine eligibility based on their registry of vulnerable community members and will conduct reassessments every two months to ensure the program reaches those who need it most.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬:

• XCG 25,000 monthly for existing registered financial aid community members

• XCG 25,000 monthly for new eligible members within the community who apply through Social Services

𝐄𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬

To qualify for the program, individuals must:

• Be a private person (not a legal entity)

• Have utility bills in their own name as an existing NV GEBE customer

• Be registered with Social Services as a vulnerable member of the community or be approved as a new eligible member after assessment

• Meet the requirements set forth in the National Ordinance on Financial Aid

Minister of Public Health, Social Development & Labor, Mr. Richinel Brug, emphasized the importance of this initiative:

“This pilot program demonstrates our government’s dedication to social services and ensuring that our most vulnerable citizens have access to essential services. We are grateful to NV GEBE for their partnership in this vital community support effort. I would like to thank Drs. Dros-Richardson and the entire staff of Social Services for their dedication in seeing this pilot program through.”

𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬

Community members interested in the program should contact Social Services to determine their eligibility. Social Services will handle all assessments and provide qualified individuals with vouchers that can be redeemed at NV GEBE’s office when making utility bill payments.

Mrs. Peggy-Ann Dros-Richardson, Division Head of Labor Affairs & Social Services, added:

“We encourage anyone facing financial hardship with their utility costs to reach out to Social Services. Our team is ready to assess applications and provide support to those who qualify for this important relief program.”

The pilot program will run for one year from the date of implementation, set for December 1, 2025, with the possibility of extension based on the program’s success and continued collaboration between the parties.

The public is strongly encouraged to listen for radio interviews, FAQ sheets, and additional information to be shared in the coming weeks ahead of December 1, 2025.

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