USAID supports JE's efforts to reduce SMEs energy consumption

Towards this goal, a letter of intent was signed today at JE's headquarters, between JE and Sabeq, in the presence of JE's CEO Eng Yarub Qudah, USAID officials, and other official guests.

The signed document draws the guidelines that ensure energy conservation measures are implemented by way of protecting local industries through reducing costs and improving their competitiveness in the local market and for exports. The Initiative aims to reduce the heavy burden of energy consumption on the local economy.

The signed Letter of Intent specifies specific measures be taken by both parties, to enable an independent Sabeq subcontractor conduct energy audits for the JE identified SMEs which will be based on international best practices and methodologies.

Sabeq will then secure SME concurrence on the energy audit recommendations and transmit the report to JE, who in turn, will review and conduct a technical and financial analysis for the JE executive committee seeking support for the installation and supervision phase.

Eng Yarub Qudah said in his welcoming speech that executing recommendations of energy audit studies is crucial, and should be focused upon. The high and heavy burden of energy consumption on the national economy requires immediate implementation of energy conservation measures as a means to protect the competitiveness of local industries, jobs and exports as well as reduce the overall energy bill that Jordan incurs.

Mr Laith Al Qasem, Chief of Party, Sabeq, said:

"Sabeq is heavily involved in driving economic growth through partnerships with the private sector. Business solutions that would solve the problem of high energy consumption should lead to efficient consumption and savings that would enhance the competitiveness of SMSs."

The USAID Jordan Economic Development Program (Sabeq) is a five-year broad economic development initiative implemented by Bearing Point, Inc. and a sizeable team of international and Jordanian partner firms. By both supporting improvements in the business environment and providing assistance to expand innovation and productivity in Jordanian businesses, it supports the main objective of building up the private sector as a powerful engine of economic growth.