d.light, a leading innovator of clean energy products and Shell have signed an agreement aimed at benefiting their customers in Kenya, Uganda and Nigeria. 

This support will help families continue to access the reliable electricity on which they depend to work, live, learn and communicate.

Over 100,000 customers with solar home systems will receive contributions towards their payments throughout the month of July.

The global economy is facing one of its worst downturns since the Great Depression  due to COVID-19.  

Those hit hardest by the downturn are the most vulnerable communities at the base of the socio-economic pyramid, which d.light serves through its pay-as-you-go solar home system offerings. 

During this trying time, this donation will provide much needed relief to d.light customers struggling to meet their energy payments, helping to ensure continued access to reliable and affordable clean electricity.  

“We are grateful for the continued support from Shell.  As we come to terms with the ‘new normal’ in the wake of the pandemic, this donation allows us to make life brighter for families we serve in Kenya, Uganda and Nigeria who have experienced lockdown,” d.light CEO Ned Tozun said. 

“Our aim is to bring hope and a better quality of life for people across the markets in which we operate.”

Shell Vice-President (Social Performance) Joanna Cochrane said: “Shell recognises how improving access to energy supports better health and wellbeing, while creating new economic prospects for people. 

“We are keen to support those struggling to keep their lights on, in particular due to the impact of COVID-19. We are delighted to work through this existing partnership to effectively deliver this relief.”

d.light and Shell aim to support customers in weathering financial setbacks and constraints caused by COVID-19, continuing to positively impact lives. 

“In support of UN Sustainable Development Goal 7 – the provision of “modern energy for all” – we want to help connect everyone, irrespective of status; to reduce disparities in access to sustainable energy products; and to address income inequalities.”

Founded in 2006 at Stanford, d.light is a global leader in solar energy, dedicated to providing the most reliable, affordable and accessible solar lighting and power systems for people living in the developing world.

d.light provides distributed solar energy to households and small businesses in 70 countries, impacting the lives of over 100 million people.