FAQ’s

The Utilities Assistance Programme is an initiative of the Ministry of Public Utilities which provides assistance to low income utility customers to ensure their continued access to basic utilities.

THE UTILITY BILL ASSISTANCE extends assistance through the payment of utility bills to qualified customers of T&TEC and WASA.

• T&TEC SUBSIDY: T&TEC customers benefit from an electricity subsidy of up to $200 per bill or a maximum of $1200 annually. The Electricity subsidy is applied bi-monthly to the customer’s T&TEC bill to coincide with the billing cycle.
• WASA SUBSIDY: WASA customers who are A2 customers will receive an annual water subsidy of $140 while A3 and A4 customers will receive a subsidy of $200.

The UAP has three components: –

1. the UTILITY BILL ASSISTANCE
2. the WATER TANK ASSISTANCE
3. the SOLAR PANEL ASSISTANCE.

In order to benefit under the UAP Utility Bill Assistance, applicants must:

• have water and/or electricity account in their name;
• have a legal right to occupy property for which the subsidy is being requested.

Beneficiaries must fall in one of the following categories:

• Persons who are recipients of the Senior Citizens Pension, Disability and Public Assistance Grants or         beneficiaries of the Trinidad and Tobago Conditional Cash Transfer Programme (TTCCP) from the

Ministry of Social Development and Family Services

• Persons who are certified as having a disability and who earn less than $5000 per month; or
• Persons who are 65 years or older and are in receipt of an income no more than $5000 per month  inclusive of national insurance and pension benefits.

• WASA Criterion: In the case of the water bill assistance, the following are relevant:
• Persons must be residential WASA customers who own one property in Class A2, A3, and A4.
• T&TEC Criteria: In the case of T&TEC customers, the following are relevant:
• Persons must be residential T&TEC customers whose average consumption over 3 billing periods(6months) is 680kWh or less
• Beneficiaries must maintain a consumption level of 680kWh or less to remain on the Programme.

Persons who wish to apply for the UAP Utility Bill Assistance must submit the following documents to the Ministry of Public Utilities:

• Valid identification
• Completed application form
• Proof of right to occupy property such as Land Tax receipt and Land Deed or Certificate of Comfort
• WASA and/or T&TEC Utility bill
• Proof of receipt of Senior Citizens Pension, Disability and Public Assistance Grants or beneficiary of  Trinidad and Tobago Conditional Cash Transfer Programme (TTCCP) or in case of other Pensioners,
• Proof of Income such as pension receipts, statement of pension payment from employer, or
• In case of other Disabled Persons, Proof of Disability such as medical certificate and proof of income where relevant

Interested Persons can obtain application forms from the following locations:

Ministry of Public Utilities, One Alexandra Place, #1 Alexandra Street, St Clair

Tel: (868) 628-9500 Ext 4304,4302,4306

• WASA Customer Service Centers
• T&TEC Customer Service Centers

Forms are available at:

• Ministry of Public Utilities
• T&TEC Customer Service Centres
• WASA Customer Service Centres
• TTConnect Service Centres

UAP application forms can be also obtained from the Ministry’s website http://posappsvr3/mpu-live-bkup_17_04_2024/ and TTConnect.gov.tt

• For the Bill Assistance and Solar Panel components, applicants should have a Deed of Title or Certificate of Comfort. Alternatively, they should have a letter of permission from the state agency or land owner. In the case of a private owner, the owner’s proof of ownership must be submitted.
• Applicants to the Water Tank Assistance can apply regardless of property ownership status.

• For the Water Tank, assistance is extended to persons who have no income or whose household income is $7,000 per month or less.
• For the Solar Panel, assistance is extended to persons who have no income or whose household income is $10,000 per month or less
• For The Bill Assistance, the subsidy is extended to persons who have been assessed by the Ministry of Social Development and are recipients of social assistance or pensioners or persons with disability whose income is $5000.00 or less per month.

Yes, the application forms can be duplicated.

Yes, the MPU offers assistance to community facilities under its Water Tank Assistance component. However, the Bill Assistance and Solar Panel Assistance are only provided to households.

The time frame for processing applications under the UAP is usually two (2) months once all required documents have been submitted.

The Sectorial Programmes and Projects Unit (SPPU) has a database which stores all applications. This database is regularly updated with changes in the application’s status.

The customer is usually updated on the status of the application every two (2) weeks. There are also instances where an applicant maybe contacted more regularly depending on the service for which the applicant has applied.

Completed forms should be forwarded to the Ministry of Public Utilities along with all required documents.

• Members of the public can submit UAP application forms to the offices of their Members of Parliament.
• Application forms can also be submitted to TTConnect Service Centres throughout Trinidad and Tobago.

These forms will then be forwarded to the Ministry of Public Utilities.

An application form, along with the relevant documents, can be submitted by another person other than the applicant. However, the application form must be signed by the applicant.

An MPU Officer will contact the applicant to inform him or her of the date and approximate time that the site visit will be conducted, so that the person can be present at the time of the visit.

Applications from Tobago should be submitted to the Office of their Member of Parliament or the TTConnect Service Centre located in Bon Accord, Tobago.  These applications will then be submitted to the Ministry of Public Utilities in Trinidad.

The UAP Technical Advisory Committee usually meets once a month to assess applications.

The property can continue to attract the grant if the following conditions are met:

1. Your name is on the water bill, and you are a recipient Old Age Pension (Senior Citizens Grant), Public Assistance or Disability Grant.
2. You can provide documentary evidence that your spouse is deceased.
3. You are the owner of one property which is residential.

The Utilities Assistance Programme is a subsidy and is applicable to both the electricity and water bills approved beneficiaries

To apply for assistance, persons must;

• • Be a recipient of the Senior Citizens Pension, the Disability Grant, TT Food card or Public Assistance of the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services.
  • Have a disability and receive a monthly income of no more than $5,000.
  • Be over the age of 65, and receive a monthly income of no more than $5,000.

No, applicants must ensure that the name on the application and that on the utility bill is consistent. Where this is not the case, persons are required to go into T&TEC or WASA with the relevant documents to have such accounts transferred to their name.

The UAP subsidy is usually applied at the next billing period after the applicant has been approved. This could be two (2) months in the case of T&TEC or three (3) months in the case of WASA, according to the applicant’s billing cycle.

No, the subsidy will be discontinued to that account. The current householder will need to have the account placed in their name and apply for the UAP subsidy.

The beneficiary’s relative should inform the Ministry of Public Utilities and submit the relevant death certificate.

Yes, persons with a disability can apply for assistance by providing proof of their disability and that they earn an income of $5,000 or less per month.

It depends; the applicant must establish proof of the right to occupy the property for which the bill assistance is requested. It is mandatory that the utility bill be in the applicant’s name.

No, the subsidy on utility bills is intended for current bills. Persons with outstanding balances on their account must visit T&TEC or WASA in order to establish a payment plan with these agencies.

No, once approved the MPU will advise the agency to apply the subsidy directly to your account.

No, once approved, beneficiaries will continue to receive the subsidy as long as there is no change to their customer account status.

Yes, the UAP subsidy can be discontinued if the recipient consistently exceeds the 680kw electricity usage. Also, it will be discontinued if the recipient dies, transfers the property to a new owner or the property is no longer used for residential purpose.

The Solar Panel Assistance of the Ministry of Public Utilities provides solar panel systems to low income households in remote communities, who are unable to access the electricity grid in order to ensure their access to an electricity supply.

In order to benefit under the UAP Solar Panel Assistance, applicants must satisfy the following criteria:

1. Low income households with monthly income of $10,000 or less;
2. Persons must have proof of right to occupy property such as Land Deed or Certificate of Comfort; or  written permission of owner with supporting documents;
3. Live in an area that is outside of T&TEC’s current electricity grid and has been identified as unfeasible or uneconomical for electricity infrastructure.

Persons who wish to apply for the UAP Solar Panel Assistance must submit the following documents to the Ministry of Public Utilities:

• Valid identification
• Completed application form
• Proof of Income such as pension receipts, Disability, Public Assistance or TT Food Card letters,
• Job Letter or Payslip
• Proof of right to occupy house- Deed of title, Certificate of Comfort or written permission of owner;
• Capital Contribution Cost Letter from T&TEC

No, each solar panel system is intended for a small, single family household.

To be eligible for Solar Panel Assistance, persons must:

• have a monthly household income of no more than $10,000;
• must reside in an area that is located outside the current electricity grid and has been identified as uneconomical for the installation of T&TEC’s electricity infrastructure; and
• have the legal right to occupy the property for which the Solar Panel is required.

Solar Panel applicants must submit:

• A copy of valid form of identification.
• Completed application form.
• Land documents, such as a copy of Title Deed, Certificate of Comfort or Letter of non-objection from the Land Settlement Agency, or other relevant Agency.
• Proof of income, such as, job letter or social welfare slip/letter.

Letter from T&TEC regarding electricity survey.

No, the Solar Panel Assistance is intended for households who cannot access an electricity supply.

No, applicants must show proof of the right to occupy the property on which the solar panel is requested.

The Ministry of Public Utilities, through its Water Tank Assistance programme, provides a one-time assistance of a water tank and fittings, safe water storage to low income households and community-based facilities that are without a pipe-borne water supply and have inadequate storage facilities.

In order to benefit under the UAP Water Tank Assistance, applicants must satisfy the following criteria:

1. Be a low-income household with income no more than $7,000 per month or a community facility used by groups such as CBOs, NGOs and FBOs;
2. Be a household without a pipe borne water supply;
3. Households or community facilities without suitable water storage facilities;

Persons who wish to apply for the UAP Water Tank Assistance must submit the following documents to the Ministry of Public Utilities:

• Valid identification
• Completed application form
• Proof of Income such as pension receipts, Disability, Public Assistance or TT Food Card letters, Job Letter or Payslip

The UAP provides only one water tank per household.

Water Tank applicants must submit:

• A copy of valid form of identification.
• Proof of income, such as, job letter or social welfare slip/letter.
• Completed application form.

No, the MPU is seeking to assist applicants with the provision of safe water storage. Where the applicant is a WASA customer, they could request a truck-borne water supply from the Agency or seek the assistance of their Regional Corporation.

The customer is responsible for the installation of the Water Tank provided by the Ministry.

The applicant will receive the water tank within one (1) month of approval.

The Utilities Assistance Programme targets persons who are recipients of Old Age Pension (Senior Citizens Grant), Public Assistance or Disability Grant. However, if you are receiving retirement pension from your previous employer that is $3,500 or less, you are entitled to apply.

The Electrification Programme (EP) provides a one-time assistance to eligible persons and entails the provision of electricity poles and the associated electrical infrastructure (Transformers, Low Voltage lines) to communities and households

Completed application forms along with supporting documents can be submitted to any TT Connect Office and the Ministry of Public Utilities.

The EP form can be submitted to any TT Connect Office and the Ministry of Public Utilities at # 1 Alexandra Street, St Clair, Port of Spain. The form can be mailed, or delivered by anyone on behalf of the applicant.

The documents required are: –

• Completed Application Form with accurate address that matches as far as possible any Utility Bill.
• Copy of Identification Card – (ID/DP/Passport)
• Copy of Land Document – (Land Deed, Certificate of Comfort or Letter of non-objection from State Agency/Enterprise)
• Proof of Income (Job Letter & Payslip) for all persons living in the home. Including old age pensioners recipient, social welfare beneficiaries such as disability grant or public assistance, etc.), Affidavit or Letter stating income for self-employed.
• Capital Contribution Cost -Letter of estimated cost from T&TEC (outlining cost of electrical infrastructure e.g. poles, Transformers, Low Voltage lines, etc.)
• Applicants are required to visit T&TEC to apply for the Capital Contribution Cost.

Application forms for the Electrification Programme (EP) are available at: –

• Ministry of Public Utilities
• Ministry’s website: mpu.gov.tt
• Members of Parliament Office
• Councillor’s Office
• TT Connect Offices

In cases where the land does not belong to the applicant, he/she must provide a letter from the owner of the land giving T&TEC permission to install the necessary electrical infrastructure. The applicant must also provide a valid copy of the Identification Card of the owner.

In the case of persons residing on State Lands, a Certificate of Comfort or Letter of non-objection from the State Agency/Enterprise is required.

Applications are reviewed for completeness.  A site visit is then scheduled for applicants with complete applications.   Applicants with incomplete applications are written identifying the outstanding documents needed.

An average time frame depends on the completeness of the application, the consideration to access the programme and the implementation process.

Applicants will be contacted and written should their application be incomplete. Completed applications will proceed to the next stage for a Site Visit.

No, the site visit does not require viewing inside the applicant’s home. Photographs of the outside of the home and the neighbourhood are taken.

A Site visit which involves the taking of photographs is required to verify information indicated on the application form and to assess the need for assistance and possible beneficiaries.

All applications are presented to the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) meeting for consideration to access the programme.

No. The Ministry will pay for the cost of the pole(s), and T&TEC will install the poles free of charge for approved applicants.

Yes, all Capital Contribution Letters are only valid for three (3) months from the date of the letter.

Once approval is granted to the applicant, the request is forwarded to T&TEC for implementation. Status of the implementation can be obtained by liaising with the MPU.

No. The Electrification Programme provides assistance to households and communities for residential purposes. Faith based organisations/commercial enterprise does not fall within the criteria of the programme.

A residential structure must be constructed on an applicant’s property for consideration under the EP programme.

Yes, for additional information please contact the Sectoral Programmes and Project Unit at Ministry of Public Utilities # 1 Alexandra Street, St Clair. Contact # 628-9500 ext. 4302-4307, 4310- 4313.

All applications that are visited are subsequently presented to the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) meeting for consideration to access the programme.

• Yes, successful applicants will be contacted and informed accordingly about the next stages of the process.
• Applicants that have not been recommended will be informed in writing.

• REAP- Persons to apply if in need of house wiring.
• EP- Persons to apply if in need of T&TEC Poles and electrical infrastructure to their

Yes, persons can apply to both the Residential Electrification Assistance Programme (REAP) and the Electrification Programme (EP).

The Residential Electrification Assistance Programme (REAP) provides a one-time assistance to eligible persons whose homes have never been wired or where the existing wring is old and faulty.

Yes, for additional information please contact the Sectoral Programmes and Project Unit at Ministry of Public Utilities # 1 Alexandra Street, St Clair. Contact # 628-9500 ext. 4302-4307, 4310- 4313.

The programme entails the provision of: –

• First time wiring;
• Rewiring

Completed application forms along with supporting documents can be submitted to any of the TT Connect office and the Ministry of Public Utilities.

The documents required are: –

• Completed application form with accurate address that matches a T&TEC Bill.
• Copy of Identification Card – (ID/DP/Passport).
• Copy of Land Document – (Land Deed, Certificate of Comfort or Letter of non-objection from State Agency/Enterprise).
• Proof of Income (Job Letter & Payslip) for all persons that resides in the home (including those receiving pensions, disability grants, NIS etc.)

In the event that the person is self-employed a letter/ affidavit should be provided to verify income.

Application forms for the Residential Electrification Assistance Programme (REAP) are available at: –

• Ministry of Public Utilities
• Ministry’s website: mpu.gov.tt
• Members of Parliament Office
• Councillor’s Office
• TT Connect Offices

The REAP forms can be submitted to any TT Connect Office or the Ministry of Public Utilities at # 1 Alexandra Street, St Clair Port of Spain. The form can also be mailed, or delivered by anyone on behalf of the applicant.

Applications are reviewed for completeness.  A site visit is then scheduled for applicants with complete applications. Applicants with incomplete applications are written identifying the outstanding documents needed.

There are various steps to be completed before assistance can be obtained under the REAP. An average time frame for delivery of the service cannot be indicated as it depends on a number of factors.

Yes, applicants will be contacted and written should their application be incomplete. Applicants with completed applications will be contacted throughout the process.

An adult must be present on the day of the site visit, and access must be granted to view the entire home.

A Site visit which involves the taking of photographs is required to verify information indicated on the application form and to assess the need for assistance.

All applications that are visited are subsequently presented to the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) meeting for consideration to access the programme.

• Yes, successful applicants will be contacted and informed accordingly about the next stages of the process.
• Applicants that have not been recommended will be informed in writing.

No, a contractor from the Ministry’s pool of licensed Electricians will provide both the materials and labour needed to complete the job.

No. The Ministry will pay the cost of the house wiring materials, the private pole if required, and the contractor’s labour for the wiring of approved applicants’ home.

However, the applicants will have to pay a nominal connection/reconnection fee to T&TEC.

• REAP- Persons to apply if in need of house wiring.
• EP- Persons to apply if in need of T&TEC Poles and electrical infrastructure to their

Yes, persons can apply to both the Residential Electrification Assistance Programme (REAP) and the Electrification Programme (EP).