fragile oasis

Nuru Energy

4 billion people lack reliable access to electricity; 1.8 billion people have no access at all. Poor, rural consumers spend between $8 and $12 per month for replacement lighting services, including candles, kerosene, dry cells, or battery charging. These sources of energy are dirty and inefficient, and on a per-kilowatt basis cost anywhere from five to 100 times more than modern fuels and electricity. As a result, lighting represents between 10 percent and 40 percent of a family’s income.

Nuru Energy is a social enterprise that produces and distributes low-cost lanterns that are rechargeable through solar and pedal generators. Nuru Energy has 12,000 light units sold in East Africa, and aims to reach five million lights sold by 2015. Nuru Energy is an Acumen Fund East Africa Fellows Program.