Pteah Baitong : Acces to energy in Cambodia

In rural areas, 64% of Cambodian households are not connected to the electricity grid and use kerosene lamps or old car batteries. They are inexpensive to buy but are very expensive to use, are a source of fire and emit noxious fumes. They are far from providing the necessary conditions to work and study to lift people out of poverty. Solar microgrids can be an excellent alternative as they provide uninterrupted access to sustainable, safe and economical electricity!

Technological innovation to facilitate access to energy for the poorest

Entrepreneurs du Monde created the social enterprise Pteah Baitong in 2015 to provide quality solar lighting kits to the most vulnerable families in rural areas. Since 2018, in some villages, Pteah Baitong has also been setting up solar micro-grids that provide cheap and reliable energy with enough power to develop income-generating activities. The team also distributes equipment for productive use (e.g. egg or cricket incubator, rice cooker, refrigerator).

A local distribution network

In two of the rural areas most affected by energy poverty (Kampong Speu and Svay Rieng), Pteah Baitong has recruited and trained vendor-installers of solar and micro-grid kits. They rely on the comprehensive approach that Pteah Baitong created and adapted to the challenges of isolated rural areas: brand, communication tools, sales events, high-quality installation and maintenance. These vendors are proud to bring equipment with a strong social impact to their community!

Support by Entrepreneurs du Monde

Entrepreneurs du Monde supports the structuring and development of Pteah Baitong on all levels: legal, operational and financial. Eventually, Pteah Baitong will be a viable and sustainable local social enterprise, supported by a 100% Cambodian team. While they are still looking for the best economic model to adopt, the prospects offered by the development of solar micro-grids coupled with productive uses of energy are a source of hope!

Read the complete program sheet