Outdoor Power in Haiti

What challenges does Haiti face in generating and distributing electricity?

Haiti faces significant challenges in generating and distributing energy reliably, and lack of access to affordable and reliable power significantly hinders investment and business development. The majority of electricity is produced using imported fossil fuels.

How does electricity work in Haiti?

With very limited access to electricity, most of the population in Haiti depends on charcoal as a source of energy. The National Electricity Company (Electricité d’Haïti – EDH) was created in 1971 to operate the newly built Péligre hydroelectric plant and the nation's power system.

Can solar energy be used in Haiti?

Solar energy offers interesting prospects in Haiti, by offering energy self-sufficiency to the most isolated cities, in the absence of a power grid. The country’s location in the tropics gives it very strong solar energy potential. It is believed solar energy will play a fundamental role in access to electricity over the next 10 to 15 years.

How much electricity does Haiti have?

Electricity in Haiti is 110 volts, alternating at 60 cycles per second. Most of the generation infrastructure in Haiti is very old and costly to maintain and operate. In 2006, total installed capacity was only 270 MW, of which about 70% was thermal and 30% hydroelectric.