FRES
Foundation Rural Energy Service (FRES) is an independent foundation that provides access to safe, renewable and affordable electricity for families in rural areas of developing countries. The foundation forms small-scale local power companies and installs solar power systems in private homes and companies. FRES was formed by Nuon in 2004 and manages two joint ventures with Nuon: Yeelen Kura in Mali and NuRa in South Africa.
Access to electricity in Mali and South Africa
Thanks to FRES, 14,000 households and small businesses in Mali and South Africa now have access to electricity. Customers can contact an energy shop in the neighbourhood for service and payments. The power companies are run by local people who handle orders, maintenance and management. With these initiatives, FRES gives a significant boost to the regional economies, bearing in mind the interests of the environment and public health.
Providing one million people with electricity by 2015
FRES's ambition is to provide one million people with safe, renewable and affordable electricity by 2015. FRES is currently active in Mali and South Africa, and is investigating the possibility of expanding to other countries.
