UpEnergy

UpEnergy is a social enterprise dedicated to fighting energy poverty and climate change by making clean energy technologies accessible to low-income communities in the developing world. Founded in 2011, the company operates primarily in Uganda and other parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, where it distributes life-improving products such as high-efficiency cookstoves, safe water filtration systems, and solar lights. These technologies are designed to replace traditional, polluting methods of cooking and lighting, thereby reducing household air pollution, improving health outcomes, and protecting local forests from deforestation.

The organization leverages carbon finance to subsidize the cost of these technologies, making them affordable for households living on less than a few dollars a day. By generating and selling high-quality, verified carbon credits (including Gold Standard and Verra certified credits) to international buyers, UpEnergy creates a sustainable business model that funds its operations and expansion. Their approach integrates rigorous monitoring and evaluation, often utilizing IoT and sensor technology to track usage and ensure the integrity of their emissions reductions. UpEnergy's work not only mitigates global carbon emissions but also delivers tangible social and economic benefits, such as time and fuel savings for families, job creation within local distribution networks, and improved respiratory health for women and children.