The Powerless !

It is something we in Australia take for granted.  We flick the switch when night falls and the marvel of electricity lights our homes.  It seems strange that while the world population is now more than seven billion people, 1.2 billion live without the reach of electricity and their lives are similar to what we call the " dark ages " !

There are vast parts of sub Sahara Africa and parts of Asia which the electricity grid does not reach and it seems that few are interested in investing in the poles and wires that would bring electricity to the masses because electric power is too easy to steal.   In many areas serviced by the grid less than twenty percent are connected by a meter and huge numbers are served by a mass of private connections.  To make matters worse, many with legal connections are reluctant to pay their bills.

It seems to be an attitude of mind.  Otherwise honest people seem to think that tapping into this invisible stream of matter which enriches their lives is some sort of right.  This destroys the incentive for power companies to extend services.  As fast as they disconnect illegal connections a fresh array of new wires appear almost overnight.   They are lucky if they garner a third of the return for the amount of electricity they generate.

This lack of electricity condemns their societies to poor health, wealth and advancement.  They are breathing the smoky fumes of candles made from animal fat or from kerosene lamps, industry is limited to the use of hand tools - and consequently income is diminished - and education is limited to daylight hours.

Slowly, a new innovation is being offered that not only brings light to where there is darkness but which will hopefully change attitudes.  Some of the charities have melded together innovation with modern technology and micro economics to produce a simple product that must seem near miraculous to those living in the new " dark ages ".

It is a solar collector connected to a rechargeable battery which allows the user to select the power to light from one to six diode light cells, hence how much light is used depends on the needs of the user. Children gain the ability to do homework or read a book.   There is sufficient light for food preparation - and the living area is no longer a dark household.

Mass production has reduced the price of this quality light source to just ten dollars, and that is beyond the means of most people without the use of micro finance.  The dark parts of the world are getting their first experience of what we once termed " credit " or " Hire purchase ".   A few cents down and a few cents a week and they will eventually pay off the item - and own it outright.

It also introduces another aspect of the western world.  Our need for " social elevation ".   Once the household next door has electric light, the motivation is strong to emulate their success.  Very cleverly, these solar/battery/electric generators have the added capacity to charge simple mobile phones, hence for the first time many in a remote village may gain both light - and communications.

The power generating companies hope that the need to pay for their first light source may change attitudes to gaining the benefits of supply from the grid.   If nothing else, exposure to the commercial world will be a new awakening to a people used to barter to gain goods.   Along with basic electricity - has come the world of finance.   For most - life will never again be the same !