Productive use of renewable energy (PURE) appliances and services are bringing new livelihood and job opportunities for off-grid consumers in Africa and Asia, but these will only be fully realised if companies (and their investors) pay adequate attention to consumer protection.  

The PURE sector can learn a lot from good consumer protection practices that have emerged in the residential off-grid solar sector, but must also respond to new or heightened risks. For example, financial risks for consumers who depend on their PURE product for income generation, or technical risks for consumers investing in a product that needs to be matched to specific environmental conditions.  

Companies that provide customers with a thorough onboarding process, a high-quality product and responsive technical and aftersales services can strengthen their financial returns, build a recognised brand and create more impact. This is why GOGLA advocates for high standards of consumer protection and encourages all companies to adopt the Consumer Protection (CP) Code. 

To help more PURE companies understand consumer risks and adopt good practices that help to address them, GOGLA has applied a PURE lens to the CP Code. This report outlines the findings from the in-depth look at PURE business models, technologies and operational practices and describes key consumer risks that PURE companies should be aware of. It highlights the established and emerging good practices that can enhance consumer protection and ensure PURE end-users can realise the full benefits of transformative energy solutions.