Energy access is “foundational” in terms of lifting people out of poverty in rural areas, said experts at the latest Duke-RTI Professors and Practitioners in Conversation panel on Friday, Oct. 30. It not only provides a means for increasing household incomes, but also plays a key role in health care, education and community safety. Some, however, warned that factors such as governance and country stability must be taken into consideration before providing access. Panelists included Sarah Dimson of USAID’s Power Africa initiative, Vikram Rao of the Research Triangle Energy Consortium, Jim Rogers of the Duke University Energy Access Project, Erika Weinthal of the Nicholas School and Paul Weisenfeld of RTI.
