Over a billion people affected by energy poverty

Healthcare and education services left to function without power

A report has found that energy poverty is leaving over a billion people in developing countries without access to adequate healthcare and education services.

The report, Poor People’s Energy Outlook, published by NGO Practical Action, states that nearly half of all healthcare facilities in India, serving around 850 million people, lack electricity. In sub-Sahara Africa, over 30% of facilities lack power, affecting 255 million patients. This has a major impact on the quality of healthcare, as it leaves doctors having to treat patients in the dark and prevents the proper storage of vaccines and ability to sterilise equipment. 

Even facilities that have a power source face severe problems, as in Kenya, only 25% of healthcare centres have a reliable power source. Blackouts can happen at least six times a month, usually leaving facilities without power for four hours at a time.

Candlelight is still the only way to get light in many developing countries

(Image source - Practical Action)

Along with energy storages affecting healthcare, it is estimated that 291 million children go to schools without electricity. In Burundi, only 2% of all schools have access to electricity. The report found that in many schools, windows are kept open, even if it is cold, so the room has a source of natural light. Many schools have limited to no form of ventilation or heating, leaving children to suffer in cold, damp conditions, resulting in negative health effects. In one school in Bolivia, lessons were cut short so the children could help collect firewood to cook their school meals.

The report states that rural areas and areas made up of mainly poor people were the ones most likely to be affected by energy poverty, and that governments of many developing nations are having to put the energy needs of the wealthy in urbanised areas over the needs of others. Practical Action's advocacy lead on energy issues, Helen Morton, said: "The historic neglect of energy in community services undermines the ability to deliver education, healthcare and ultimately development. This report makes the case for the energy services that poor people want, need and have a right to – providing communities with the power to challenge their poverty."