Mini-Grids are a way to connect more than a billion people to electricity and water. We’ve grown used to the idea of “the internet of things,” big data, and wireless connectivity. But can these technological breakthroughs be used to improve the lives of some of the poorest people in the world? And, will that technology work in the most rugged and off-grid places on earth? That’s what Steama.co does. On Social Entrepreneur, we’ve been looking at how the people around the world suffer from energy poverty can move up the energy ladder. When people don’t have access to reliable electricity, they use expensive, dirty fuels to power their lives. This hurts their health while keeping them trapped in poverty. One answer is mini-grids, powered by clean energy sources such as wind and solar. But, mini-grid operators have unique challenges. But how does someone without a bank account buy electricity? How does the utility read a meter, turn on an account or track usage remotely? Steama.co provides smart meters, wireless connectivity and a robust platform utilities can use to manage their system. Steama.co works in some of the most remote places on earth. Utilities can use Steama.co technology to aggregate data and to learn. Social Entrepreneurship Quotes from Harrison Leaf “My work is my protest.” “We’ve gone out to the bush and designed this in a place where it’s going to be used.” “We’re not the power company. We put the power company’s equipment, via our smart meters, onto the internet.” “It’s autopilot for mini grids.” “Search not just for success, but for failure.” “Apply the scientific method.” Social Entrepreneurship Resources: co: http://steama.co

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