Earlier this quarter, we celebrated 6 years of Smart Power India’s journey and the impact of its programs that are changing the course of the country’s rural development growth trajectory. Shortly after, the devastating second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic took effect. Our customers in rural India were acutely impacted due to the lack of sufficient access to quality healthcare facilities and other essentials, this was reflected in our customer surveys. SPI responded by turning its attention to rural India’s healthcare needs by partnering with NGOs doing exemplary work for a better recovery. SPI also deployed oxygen concentrators to the teams on the ground in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar when severe shortage was reported. Further, SPI promptly focused on getting our billing & collection agents in Odisha, i.e. the Bijulee didis (Power Sisters) vaccinated.

The second wave also highlighted the impact reliable electricity has on other sectors such as education, healthcare, and the rural economy.