AVPN August Webinar: Access to Energy, and Its Rippling Impact on the Other Sectors

The off-grid solar industry was born from the demand for energy access among the more than one billion people who lack access to electricity worldwide. Early innovators and investors in this space were impatient with government grid extension and saw off-grid solar technology as an opportunity to “leapfrog” business-as-usual electrification approaches. This access has influenced outcomes in many areas, from lighting to refrigeration, to livelihood potential in areas with limited infrastructure and opportunities.

In a report released in January 2018, AVPN member Dalberg analysed the sector, including the range of impact it has had on the lives of its end customers. Fellow member, Acumen, has been investing in patient capital to serve the base of the pyramid and is now using lean data to measure and manage the impact of access to energy across various sectors.

Through the webinar, Dalberg and Acumen will:

• Present an analysis of the energy sector through their respective research studies;
• Explore impact measurement tools that cover the breadth and depth of impact created;
• Evaluate the impact that energy devices have on end consumers.

About the Speakers

Mallika Kirti Consultant, Dalberg Mallika is a Consultant in Dalberg’s Mumbai office and has worked on projects in Energy Access, Financial Inclusion, Education, Gender, and Urban Planning. She was part of the team that wrote the Off-Grid Solar Market Trends Report 2018 and delivered insights around the competitive landscape of the industry, evolution of products and technology and total impact created by the sector. Mallika holds a Masters in Theological Studies from Harvard University and an undergraduate degree in Economics from Davidson College, North Carolina.

Ushnisha Ghosh Manager, Lean Data, Acumen Ushnisha Ghosh has been leading Acumen’s Impact and Lean Data work in India/Asia since 2016. She is one of the core members of the research and impact working group, India Impact investor council. In the past two years, she has worked with funds and foundations, along with Acumen and their portfolio companies to help listen to hard to reach beneficiaries and customers. By doing so, she has delivered insights and knowledge and influenced social and business impact across sectors.