In what ways is this project unique and creative? Edit

What makes this prepaid electricity counter project unique is its ability to address a segment of the population normally excluded because of their chronic poverty with a market logic. This innovation is, therefore, not only a technical, but economic model. This creative idea responds to the issues of accessibility to energy.

What is the social value of this project? Edit

This prepaid electricity counter project significantly improves the living and hygiene conditions families with the most modest incomes by providing access to electricity – meaning minimal lighting. Lighting gives children and other family members the power to study, read and get informed in the evenings without being limited to doing so during daylight hours. Electricity allows them to keep food fresh in better conditions by using smalls fridges that consume little energy.

What is the potential of this project to expand and develop? Edit

The potential for expansion into rural areas is significant thanks to the National Rural Electrification strategy that promotes development in cooperative energy village communities (COOPEL) that gives contracts to private operators the responsibility for energy production and sales. The sale of electricity could also be done in a prepaid manner by installing electricity counters. Expansion could also occur in other low income African countries.

What was the triggering factor of this project? Edit

Classic monthly, subscription-based energy distribution and invoicing systems prohibit access to poor families that excludes them because they cannot pay their bills. Urban energy symbolizes modernity and progress that leads segments of the population spiralling into poverty and exclusion.

The combination of social pricing policy and technological adaptation was designed to provide an alternative solution to gas lamps and candles that the most disadvantaged were condemned to.

What is the business model of this project? Edit

The project’s business model combines a classic market system with a social equalization policy of costs and fees based on subscriber consumption and income. It is a type of cooperative model.

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