[04] Paying, but for a reduced consumption

However, given the previous high levels of energy that favela residents are consuming, the electricity bills would be so high that few would be willing or able to pay, despite all of the advantages. ‘That is why we are putting so much effort into energy efficiency’, says Garcia.

‘We are giving out energy efficient refrigerators and light bulbs for free, and we are teaching the people how they can restrict their consumption yet enjoy the full benefits of a safe and reliable electricity supply.’ In this way they should be able to bring their consumption down to a fraction of what they used before.