Why energy Department is ?
Exposure Dilogue Programe of Sewa Bank shows that many members of the bank do not have good facility for cooking at their home and lighting at their home and specially at their work place . Most of member are using kerosene for fuel and kerosene lantern at their work place as kerosene is very expensive and not available very easily.
SEWA ENERGY PORTFOLIO
Introduction
In 2004, during a study commissioned by United Nations Office for Project Services, a UN outfit, MHT and SEWA Bank had jointly undertaken a study to develop a consumer lending and micro finance strategy to expand access to energy services for the rural and urban poor.
During this study MHT and SEWA Bank conducted extensive need assessment survey across its various co-operatives viz., health workers, livelihood creation, child care & education, artisans etc., to understand the linkages required in the delivery of energy services covering cooking, household lighting, powering sewing machines and other equipment used in income generating activities. As a result of this need assessment survey, MHT and SEWA Bank were able to understand the need for interventions in the energy area for its members.
Sample Findings
A random sample of household visited during the assessment study was found to be using traditional three stone inefficient stoves which need a lot of firewood. The time (3 to 4 hours per day) and amount spent (Rs.350 per month) either on collecting or buying firewood is significant compared to the time they need to spend on productive income generating activities. Apart from the financial burden, the health risks associated with inefficient stoves emitting smoke inside the house are also significant for the families.
Besides energy needs for cooking, reliable sources for household lighting and power for income generating equipment was lacking in the households that are visited. A large number of artisans and garment makers work from their homes (called as home based workers) and deliver their output to the organized wholesalers. Powering the equipment used by them in addition to ensuring adequate lighting during their work hours will greatly help them increasing their productivity, thereby increasing their income levels.
Aims and Goals of the Energy Portfolio
The above assessment study reiterated the fact that there is need to create a separate portfolio for the improved access to energy services among the SEWA members. There are over 300,000 SEWA Bank members and living conditions and infrastructure facilities like energy, water and sanitation in the areas where significant portion of these members reside needs lots of improvement.
Menu of Products
Further to the assessment study, MHT and SEWA BANK have conducted four Focus Group Discussions (FGD) and the outcome of these meetings identified the immediate needs in the following areas:
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Efficient cooking systems
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Sanitation requirements with linkages to night soil biogas plants wherever community oilets are proposed.
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Lighting the work place for vegetable vendors and home based workers.
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Power requirements for small motors for home based workers.
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Community Kitchens using solid waste
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Solar Drying of agricultural produce
In addition to strengthening the supply chain, it also felt the need to create widespread awareness among its members about the availability of new and improved energy services coupled with a financing mechanism to over come the first cost barrier. The purpose of creation of awareness is three fold:
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Firstly to overcome the problems with current energy options
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Secondly to get a feedback as to exactly what kind of needs its members are looking for so that a broad category of product differentiation and customization can be attempted in consultation with the technology supplier and
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Lastly and equally important purpose is to create entrepreneurs in these technologies among its members to ensure local availability of consumables, parts of these technologies or service personnel or enabling small businesses to take up marketing of these technologies.
Leading too…
The energy portfolio is expected to improve the lives of around 300,000 SEWA women members. The multiplier effect of this initiative is also expected to be many fold and could reach other non- SEWA members. SEWA Bank members are expected to benefit the most as these new initiatives will bring in improved energy facility there by increasing their income and quality of living. SEWA Bank members are also expected to gain on account of new employment and trade opportunities that could be created under this new energy portfolio.
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