The National Irrigation Commission is set to see a reduction of at least $9.5 million in its annual electricity bill, following the commissioning of a solar system at its Beacon Hill pumping station in St. Elizabeth.

The move will also see farmers in the area benefiting from a more efficient water production and distribution system fueled by renewable energy.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Wednesday, minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Pearnel Charles Jr, noted that the system cost approximately $36 million to be installed.

Mr Charles noted that the introduction of the solar technology is part of the ministry’s wider thrust to implement more renewable technology.