Living Without Electricity in Baja California

Living Without Electricity in Baja California

The study included surveys and focus groups within select communities, mapping of households and identification of local and international stakeholders who could contribute to solving the problem of energy poverty. Focus groups were held in the town of Maneadero in the municipality of Ensenada; in Camalú, in the municipality of San Quintín; and in the eastern part of Tijuana. The objective was to engage citizens in a deeper conversation and to gain their opinions, feelings, as well as ideas and details on daily life without electricity.

Energy Poverty It is important to understand energy as more than a commodity. Rather, it is an omnipresent and vital element for human activities and modern life. This is particularly the case at home where electricity provides lighting and allows for entertainment, it ensures better hygiene and cleanliness, care of medicine, refrigeration and preservation of food, as well as cooking and providing a comfortable temperature for the prinicipal living area. Home goods and appliances such as light bulbs, lamps, refrigerators, stoves, washing machines, fans, heaters and air conditioners are conduits to leverage energy to satisfy human needs and ensure a modern lifestyle. Lack of access or the ability to use these goods and services directly affects one’s well-being and quality of life thereby creating energy poverty. Meaning of Electricity Survey participants and those in the Focus Groups expressed a clear desire for access to electricity. They cited the important quality of life that electricity can deliver to their households and families. Many equated access to electricity with a feeling of happiness and improving their daily lives. Many also noted the perception of improved socioeconomic status derived from access to electricity.

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