Launching Energy-as-a-Service for Distributed Power
A market-entry framework for distributed energy companies to achieve 90% repayment rates through PAYGO solar, mobile money integration, and productive-use expansion.
12
Sections
7
Steps
6
KPIs
4
Cases
HBS Case Method · Playbook Arc
Problem
600M Africans lack reliable electricity — grid extension alone won't solve it
Off-grid solar companies, mini-grid developers, energy utilities exploring distributed models, and impact investors funding energy access
Grid extension costs $2,000–$5,000 per household in rural Africa. Governments can't fund the $90B annual investment needed. Traditional utility models don't work for communities with $50–$150 monthly income.
Energy poverty costs African economies $2.5T in lost GDP over the next decade. Access to electricity increases household income by 30% and enables productive-use economic activity.
Grid infrastructure reaches only 48% of Sub-Saharan Africa's population. Distributed energy solutions (solar, mini-grids, battery storage) offer a faster path to universal access, but financing and operational models remain broken.
600M
People without reliable power
IEA Africa Energy Outlook
48%
Grid electrification rate (SSA)
World Bank 2024
$90B
Annual investment needed
Africa Energy Chamber