How Pre-Paid Energy Services Aid In Rural Electrification

First time accepted submitter superfast-scooter writes "I wanted to let the community know of a research project I've been fortunate to be part of — it's a rural electrification project called SharedSolar at the Modi Research Group at Columbia University. The project has 17 pilot sites in sub-Saharan Africa to-date, providing prepaid energy services to over 3000 people who did not have access to electricity — a fraction of the over 1.3 Billion worldwide. The lab has been developing custom software applications to integrate off-the-shelf hardware components, and also provide the operational and management mechanisms needed. Communications with the sites are over the mobile networks. Consumers can recharge their accounts using either cellphones, or visit a designated local vendor who can do it at the site using an Android app. Software residing locally makes each site autonomous, and the online platform allows for remote visibility, localized consumer interactions and integration with payment solutions. And we're planning on deploying soon in Haiti and Kenya."

Comments

Re:doh!

[Anonymous Coward]

I'm no fan of the environmental movement, but I don't think that's why most third world countries are third world countries.

Re:Prime Directive

[Richard_at_work]

Because they already have uses for it - take my Uganda example, everyone already has a mobile phone (pre-paid - MTN usually) and its routine to see booths in major trading places with signs saying "mobile phone and battery charging available here" (usually done by generator or hand cranking - yup, young kids sat down all day cranking a handle to generate electricity).

Mobile phones allow for easy communication, which means you can accomplish trading easier - ring around to see which trading station has few bananas that morning so you can go there and make a little more money.

Electric lights allow for a much better, constant light source than fires or candles - which means work can carry on in homes later in the evening, more income for the family.

I really think most people don't understand these sorts of cultures until they visit the places - I certainly didn't three weeks ago, and my trip really changed my perspective.