Peco Power, an original equipment manufacturer originating from Wits University’s School of Electrical and Information Engineering, has launched its PowerBrick rent-to-own electricity model in the Nomzamo Agricultural Village, Ermelo, Mpumalanga, South Africa.
The PowerBrick is a solar-powered smart energy solution designed for communities that need off-grid electrification. It provides safe lighting and reliable cell-phone charging. The system is modular and expandable, allowing users to increase their power and energy capacity by adding more PowerBricks as needed.
Facilitated by GreenCape, in partnership with the Royal Danish Embassy, Nomzamo residents access their PowerBrick system on a subsidised R99 per month rent-to-own subscription over 12 months.
Peco Power has initiated a programme called the “Champion Model” where unemployed youth are chosen to promote the product within the community. “Independent local champions play a pivotal role in fostering the adoption and utilisation of PowerBricks through community engagement and personalised support while prioritising ongoing customer care. They receive comprehensive training, support and compensation that enables them to operate as entrepreneurs within their community. This approach fosters local economic growth and strengthens community resilience by creating sustainable energy infrastructure managed by local residents,” says Dorian Wrigley, Chief Executive Officer of Peco Power.
