Off.Grid: Electric
SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURS
F.Xavier Helgesen, Erica Mackey and Joshua Pierce
FOUNDED
2012
MISSION
To put kerosene out of business.
BUSINESS MODEL
Off.Grid:Electric applies the mobile phones industry's business model to energy. A small super-efficient solar system is installed in a customer's home, complete with appliances. Customers pre-pay for service per week using mobile money. They are able to choose the set of electrical services (lights, radio, mobile charger, TV) that fit their lifestyle and budget for a flat weekly fee starting below the cost of kerosene.
WHERE THEY WORK
Tanzania
ANNUAL BUDGET
US$1m
DELIVERED TO DATE
Early stage. 1,000 households targeted by end of 2012.
IMPACT
In Tanzania, 85% of households are still off the electric grid. Removing kerosene from a house eliminates carbon emission, eliminates indoor air pollution, eliminates kerosene burns for children and saves customers money each week.
BIG PLANS
Light 1 million homes in 5 years, changing the lives of 5 million people.
OUR INVESTMENT SO FAR
US$150,000 equity investment.
