Under this initiative, SNV has an integrated approach reaching rural household with energy saving solutions.

Energy access in Uganda is less than 10%. It’s estimated that 90% of Uganda’s energy source is from wood. There is a growing energy sector in improved cook stoves (ICS) and Pico PV (small solar solutions). However, there are limitations in bringing those solutions to the last mile end-users. Small enterprises do not have the capital to scale and promote their products. Financial institutions are not willing to risk lending to consumers for energy. In addition, communities at the last mile are often not aware that these affordable solutions exist for them.

In 2014, SNV Uganda started implementing two new projects – Pico PV (small solar solutions) and Integrated Renewable Energy Services (IRES) in Buikwe and Mbale districts and surrounding regions under the umbrella initiative called Uganda Domestic Renewable Energy Solutions (UDRES).