- The third stage of Luces de Esperanza (Lights of Hope) in the state of San Luis Potosí benefited more than 560 people in 15 rural communities.
- The investment amounted to 6.5 million pesos and included environmental workshops for the population.
Tamazunchale, S.L.P, September 1, 2022.- Iberdrola México benefited over 560 people during the implementation of the third stage of the Luces de Esperanza program in rural communities in the Huasteca Potosina, bringing solar energy to one hundred homes and one educational center lacking electricity.
With an investment of 6.5 million pesos, this third stage comprised the installation of autonomous solar systems in 15 communities in the municipalities of Tamazunchale, San Martín Chalchicuautla, Tampacán, and Xilitla
“We are very glad to know that through Luces de Esperanza we have been able to improve the quality of life of the communities in the region. Electricity is essential for families’ development and wellbeing, and clean energy is crucial to take care of the planet”, contended Manuel Argüelles, manager of Iberdrola México in Tamazunchale, during the official turning on of lights in the community of Achiquico.
As a result of the Luces de Esperanza program, today already more than 1,500 people in the Huasteca Potosina who were not connected to the national electrical grid have electricity in their homes, which has allowed to trigger their development owing to the promotion of productive activities and improvement of health, education and safety.
The first three stages of the Luces de Esperanza program in San Luis Potosí have involved an investment of 16.5 million pesos, and Iberdrola México will continue with the program the next few years until at least 6,000 residents of the Huasteca Potosina are benefited.
“With the joint effort of the government and the private sector, as well as of the Tamazunchale residents, we are building sound and strategic alliances that help more people gain access to basic services”, said José Luis Meza Vidales, municipal president of Tamazunchale.
This program, developed by the company together with Iluméxico as a technical partner, results in substantial economic savings for families who used to buy candles and batteries every month.
“Having electricity in our homes has changed our lives. Today, a new shining stage begins for Achiquico, and the community is more united than ever”, said Francisca Cruz, one of the beneficiaries of the project in this town of barely twenty inhabitants, which belongs to the Tamazunchale municipality.
CHANGING LIVES
Iberdrola México started the Luces de Esperanza project late in 2019 in the state of San Luis Potosí and a year later it was expanded to several municipalities in the state of Oaxaca, where over 800 people have been benefited in the first two stages.
The project’s budget totals 80 million pesos to benefit more than 12,000 people in different regions across the country and helps to achieve several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 7 – Affordable and clean energy -, SDG 10 -Reduce inequality, and 11 -Sustainable cities and communities.
In this new stage of Luces de Esperanza, environmental and energy education workshops were provided in the region, with the support of the Concentrarte organization, to more than 300 children and adults. Additionally, a mural was painted in the El Granado (Xilitla) community with the support of its residents.