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Electric Equity

Electric Equity

Von: Brian Thomas
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 Electric Equity looks at energy poverty around the globe, explores how it limits people’s ability to flourish as human beings, and brings to light efforts to increase energy access. Your host is engineering Professor Brian Thomas, Executive Director of the nonprofit organization JustEnergy, which works to combat energy poverty in the poorest and least electrified country in the Western Hemisphere: Haiti. Fighting Energy Poverty is full of challenges: some are technical, some are cultural, some are financial, some are ethical. Our show will demystify energy and electricity and unpack the central role of energy access for international development and human flourishing. We’ll introduce you to people and organizations that are doing something about it and explore philosophical and ethical questions along the way.© 2026 Electric Equity Brian Thomas Management & Leadership Ökonomie
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  • The Indignity of Misery

    The Indignity of Misery
    Feb 25 2026
    In this episode of Electric Equity, Brian talks with Nathan Nickerson, former executive director of Konbit Sante, a nonprofit that has partnered with Haitian healthcare institutions since 2001. Nate explains what “Konbit Sante” means—an idea of shared effort and collaboration—and describes the organization’s long-term approach to strengthening healthcare in northern Haiti. Rather than focusing on one-off interventions, Konbit Sante works alongside local partners on the full set of “building blocks” a functional health system needs: trained staff, management, supply chains, and core infrastructure like water and, of course, electricity. The conversation also highlights why electricity access is inseparable from medical care in Haiti, where public power is extremely limited and most facilities must rely on diesel generators and—more and more—solar-plus-battery systems. Brian and Nate discuss how energy constraints shape everything from nighttime maternity care to neonatal support equipment, and why sustainable impact depends as much on maintenance, local ownership, and planning as it does on technology. Along the way, they reflect on the difference between relief and development, the dignity implications of “misery,” and what it takes to stay hopeful—and effective—in long-term humanitarian work.
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    51 Min.
  • Puerto Rico's Ongoing Electricity Struggles

    Puerto Rico's Ongoing Electricity Struggles
    Feb 11 2026
    Bad Bunny's Superbowl LX halftime show gives us a glimpse of Puerto Rico's struggling electric grid, especially since Hurricane Maria's impact in 2017. Was privatization the right way to rebuild PR's infrastructure, or has it caused more problems than before? In this brief episode we provide a high-level history for those made curious by Bad Bunny's performance.
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    10 Min.
  • EarthSpark's Micro Utilities

    EarthSpark's Micro Utilities
    Jan 20 2026
    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. See www.justiceandmercy.energy for extra content including episodes that explain electrical terms in accessible ways.
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