Using the core principle of Marxism in Smart Grids to reduce energy poverty in the developing world

Abstract

The developing world currently faces a problem of extreme inequality, where some people have access to 24X7 electricity that can power multiple televisions, water heaters, microwaves etc whilst many live in the literal dark because of lack of access to affordable electricity. In a world that is moving online rapidly, lack of access to electricity is a lack of access to opportunities, safety and proper healthcare. Smart Grids are an up and coming technology that hopes to increase the efficiency of the grid by using two way communications thereby increasing the amount of usable electricity. However, this does not account for inequity of access and instead relies on a trickle-down approach. Smart Grids, if repurposed to provide electricity based on the needs of individuals can play a huge role in increasing access to electricity. This article seeks to discuss the extent to which this inequality has affected people in rural areas and elaborate on how repurposing Smart Grids in a way that views electricity as a publicly owned utility that needs to be divided based on the needs of each individual can help solve this problem of "energy poverty".