October 1, 2021

Addressing energy poverty in Mexico

$220,000 charitable contribution supports families and community organizations

The team installs solar panels on a roof in Mexico

Sempra Foundation recently gave more than $220,000 to support clean renewable energy projects in seven locations in Mexico, from Tijuana and Ensenada to Tecate and Mexicali. Five grid-tied projects are being constructed for several orphanages, a migrant center, a healthcare facility, and hospice, along with two off-grid projects benefitting 40 indigenous families.

“I’m so proud of the foundation’s recent investment in GRID Alternatives,” says Beatriz Palomino Young, executive director of Sempra Foundation. “We’ll be helping some 160,000 people over time including families, caregivers and children, and saving over $300,000 in energy costs — resources that can be used for food, medicine and other important needs.” This is the first of several more projects underway at Sempra Foundation this year.

Partnering with GRID Alternatives

A team member installs solar panels on a roof in Mexico

Sempra Foundation’s charitable partner, GRID Alternatives, is a national leader in providing access to clean, affordable renewable energy to vulnerable communities suffering from economic and environmental justice concerns in the U.S. and internationally. Last month, GRID Alternatives completed work on the first solar project located at a health center in Tijuana.

“We are excited to work with Sempra Foundation on these important solar projects to help improve access to reliable electricity and reduce the burden of energy costs for organizations that are doing critical work in Mexico,” said Jenean Smith, senior director of international programs for GRID Alternatives. “We are also providing hands-on training for local students pursuing clean energy careers, as pandemic safety protocols allow.”

Team members install solar panels on a roof in Mexico

The project in Mexico is part of a broader commitment by Sempra Foundation to help improve lives and build stronger, more resilient communities by expanding energy access. Access to energy is a key ingredient to fairness, equity and the advancement of social progress, and shouldn't be restricted by geography or income.

Creating a Positive Impact

In Mexico, more than 10 million residents live without access to reliable electricity. The seven solar installations are expected to result in:

  • 68 kW of grid-tied solar capacity;
  • Nearly 2,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions avoided, the equivalent of planting and growing over 32,000 trees; and
  • Solar installation training for 60 local renewable energy students, at least half of them women.