S1E4: EarthSpark's Micro Utilities

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Jean Thaylord is a member of the nonprofit group EarthSpark, which builds micro utilities in Haiti. He grew up in Haiti, but was able to study electrical engineering at Rutgers University in New Jersey. He joined EarthSpark in 2018 where he helps operate two prepaid town-level micro grids in the remote Tiberon Peninsula of Southeast Haiti. 

Together, these two microgrids have about 1000 connections that use an innovative electric meter for control, planning, and visibility. Customers on the EarthSpark microgrids are encouraged to use their electricity for creating value, which often looks like agricultural processes that enhance businesses already in operation. Jean and the EarthSpark team feel a sense of responsibility to educate their customers, many of whom have never had electricity access before. 

Although these two grids were designed to be 75% solar and 25% diesel powered, EarthSpark is moving away from diesel, citing a lack of control of the fuel supply. The next six grids being planned will be designed for 100% solar. The cost of energy is around 30 to 45 cents per kilowatt hour in Tiberon. 

Electricity theft is greatly limited by using branch level totalizing meters reconciled against the sum of the household meters on that branch. Key services such as telecommunications and hospitals are secured by a microgrid within the microgrid for added reliability in anticipation of natural disasters such as earthquakes and hurricanes. 

Enèji Pwòp is a microgrid operations company also launched by EarthSpark that runs the day-to-day businesses of the microgrids. Enèji Pwòp's technicians and its grid ambassadors live in their respective towns and are well known by everyone. As a result, locals have a strong sense of ownership, which is both highly motivating and a source of community pride. 

Jean's interactions with customers as they transition to electricity is rewarding. Working on these Haitian microgrids is the best way he can imagine to use his God-given abilities. For him, it's a matter of stewardship. He encourages other people to seek meaningful service working in this space, to step outside their comfort zone and work abroad on similar projects. 

Cite this episode:

B. Thomas, “EarthSpark's Micro Utilities (interview with Jean Thaylord),” Electric Equity Podcast, January 20, 2025. [Online]. Available:https://justiceandmercy.energy/earthspark-u-utilities