http://www.iypf.org

Barefoot Power is aiming to improve living standards within
developing countries by delivering essential services to low-income households. We are developing sustainable business models that deliver services more efficiently. The first market we are aiming to transform is the kerosene lighting market, improving households´ access to electricity, using nothing more than households´ current expenditure on kerosene. Work has already begun in Papua New Guinea, and we have a target of 1 million people gaining electricity within five years.

Kerosene is used for lighting by 1.5 billion people around the world, who spend an estimated US$38 billion/year for a very poor lighting service. Kerosene delivers around 0.2 per cent of the light enjoyed by people with electric lighting, for each dollar spent. Recent innovations in low wattage (W) lighting include low-cost fluorescent lighting (>3W), and white light-emitting diodes (<3W). Mass production of these lamps, mostly based in China, is driving costs down to levels highly affordable to the world´s low-income households.

In one year, a household may spend US$1-3/week on kerosene and batteries, or US$50-150/year. Barefoot aims to efficiently deliver efficient lighting products to villages, as a first step towards full electrification. US$75 is sufficient for households to pay for 10-15m of house-wiring, several lamps and a battery for recharging, which would cost an additional $25/year. With one year of micro-finance, this household lighting kit will dramatically improve lighting levels and safety in the household, at a weekly cost of only $2, the same as current kerosene expenditure. In the second year, $100 may be invested in a solar panel, or more electrical services, and within five years, we believe we can deliver full grid-level electricity access based on renewable energy, with sufficient power for income- generating cottage industry.

Barefoot wishes to partner with for and non-profit organisations that are helping improve living standards in communities of developing countries. The partnerships will help deliver improved lighting services to communities in rural and urban areas, as a step towards full electrification. If you are part of an organisation interested in our aims of bringing electricity to those who can afford and desire its useful service, please contact us at info@barefootpower.com, or visit the website at http://www.barefootpower.com.