Energy Service Basket Program – Uruguay

The Energy Service Basket Program provides access to energy for poorer populations in Uruguay. By promoting a culture of resource efficiency and distributing energy-saving gas appliances, the Energy Service Basket is improving the quality of life for Uruguayan families who bear the greatest socioeconomic vulnerability, while helping to preserve natural resources.

Fast facts:

548 associate homes in the program;
300 energy advisor trainees;
Heating devices that are 80% more energy efficient being distributed.

The problem

Low-income families often do not have electrical connections, or their connections are not standardized and present safety risks. Since such communities typically lack access to the best technologies, use of resources there is otherwise inefficient.

The solution

The Energy Service Basket Program targets socioeconomically vulnerable homes that have critical gaps related to quality of life, as for instance in housing. Through this program, such families may receive energy bill discounts, and the delivery of partially subsidized and financed “gasodomestics” for cooking and heating. The latter is applied in those homes that lack efficient or safe equipment, promoting a shift from electric to liquefied petroleum gas for energy efficiency.

Helping the planet

More efficient use of resources preserves them for future generations and helps protect ecosystems. Better practices in energy consumption also reduce the emission of greenhouse gas into the environment.

Helping people

Urban poor communities obtain better access to energy and are able to save money through energy efficiency. Building a culture of sustainability also helps governments save resources.

Scaling up

This program can be easily replicated in other countries and regions, adapting it to the energy offerings and needs of families there. Other energy-efficient technologies may be more suitable for different countries. This project presents an approach that is appropriate for developing nations and urban poor worldwide.