At the Honnold Foundation, we know that solar energy can make the world a brighter, more equitable place. But combating years of social and economic disenfranchisement isn’t as simple as flipping a switch.
Last December, our partners at Borderlands Restoration Network completed their Honnold Foundation Core Fund project—a solar installation connecting 30 Comcaac households in Desemboque, Mexico, to solar water pumps, household electrical systems, and irrigation systems for community gardens. The panels will provide energy, food, and water security for 250 people. And after completing their extensive technician training program, eight Comcaac Women are managing the grid to ensure that it remains fully operational through its entire lifespan.
Despite Borderlands’ incredible success in 2020, it was a challenging year for people everywhere, and the Comcaac community are no exception. Over the course of the year, economic stress and complex, poorly defined billing systems led to $17,000 in accumulated debt to the local utility authority—debt that must be paid before the utility will allow Borderlands to turn on their fully installer solar microgrid.
The Honnold Foundation’s community stepped up to support the people of Desemboque and turn on the lights. In just under a week, we raised the funds needed to relieve the Comcaac’s debt and power on Desemboque’s new grid. Friends, long-time supporters, and first-time donors—thank you for stepping forward to meet this goal, together.
But these bills didn’t accumulate overnight. To understand why the lights couldn’t be powered on in Desemboque, we have to go backwards in time. For thousands of years, the Comcaac people, also known as the Seri, have thrived in the extreme desert conditions of the Sonoran Desert. Traditionally a community of hunters, fishers, and gatherers, the Comcaac speak their own language and practice their traditions, while also adapting to modern life. Today, the Seri community of about 1,000 people live in two small fishing towns: Desemboque and Punta Chueca.
When electricity first came to Desemboque, the community quickly grew accustomed to modern amenities: refrigeration, lights, and air conditioning were all welcome luxuries, especially with summer temperatures well into the 100s. But for many people, this was the first experience with debt-based payment, and the process wasn’t well explained. Further, in order to pay their utility bills, community members had to drive three hours through roads barricaded by cartels to make their payments in person. In a town where most people lack access to a car and the majority live on just $100 a month, it was doubly impossible. The bills accumulated, and fast.
Community leaders pose with the first of many plants grown in the shade of Desemboque’s solar installation.
8 Seri women installed and maintained Desemboque microgrid following studies at Barefoot University in India.
Thanks to the generosity of people from around the world, this debt has been paid off. For the first time ever, the Comcaac community will have consistent, affordable access to clean energy and reliable water. And it wouldn’t be possible without your support.
Systemic inequalities led to this debt, in the same way that unjust systems continue to impact communities around the world. We stand in solidarity with the Comcaac—grateful and inspired by the outpouring of support from around the world. But to continue combatting energy injustice around the world, we’ll need your help.
When you make a monthly gift to the Honnold Foundation, you commit to taking action, today and every day— to making this world a brighter place.