Viable, Reliable, and Buyable: Propane for Electricity Generation in Haiti

Electricity production in Haiti largely relies on gasoline or diesel generators whose fuel supply is frequently threatened by political, civil, and economic unrest. Retail sellers have recurring shortages, which leaves black-market fuel sales as the more dominant fuel access network. Our research monitors the black-market "street" prices for gasoline and diesel for one year in the second largest city, Cap Haitïen. We have also monitored the price and availability of propane, which has not experienced the same shortages or price variability. Propane, therefore, is the least expensive and most readily available fuel for generating electricity at small scales. This data has encouraged us to deploy three small gasoline generators that have been modified to operate on propane in hopes of providing a viable, reliable, and buyable solution for individuals, organizations, and businesses that are experiencing energy poverty.