ENGIE and Watts of Love Light the Darkness in Guatemala

By Anca Gagiuc

Houston—ENGIE Resources, the third-largest non-residential retail electricity supplier in the U.S., announced a collaboration with Watts of Love to bring sustainable solar lighting to remote villages without access to power in Guatemala.

Watts of Love is a U.S.-based non-profit focused on providing power to people around the world, as a first step to raise themselves out of the darkness of poverty. The two firms joined forces to deliver 250 solar LED lanterns with built-in audio FM Radio/MP3 players. The lights will last up to 100 hours on a single charge. The highest setting offers 500 lumens, the equivalent of a 40-watt light bulb, which is 10 times brighter than a kerosene lamp. Furthermore, Watts of Love will offer recipients education on proper use and care, the health and safety benefits of power, savings, investment and entrepreneurship principles, as well as customized learning opportunities with audio/MP3 players.

“ENGIE has a rich tradition of philanthropy, and the contributions we are making in our support of Watts of Love further demonstrate this commitment,” Sayun Sukduang, president & CEO of ENGIE Resources, said in a prepared statement. “Our aim through this outreach is to build a cleaner, more sustainable future while raising awareness of the large number of impoverished people across the globe who are currently living without power.”

At the time of publication, more than 1.1 billion men, women and children live in darkness once the sun sets. According to data from The World Bank Group, as of 2012, more than 20 percent of Guatemalans have been deprived of electricity.

“With the backing of ENGIE Resources, we’re bringing an instrument of hope to those who need it most,” said John Economou, co-founder of Watts of Love. “By giving the gift of power to Guatemalans in remote villages, we’re providing far more benefits than the advantage of lighting alone. We’re delivering a life-changing opportunity for people to improve their health, enhance their education, and positively impact their local economies.”

Image courtesy of ENGIE Resources’ Facebook page