Estimation of Rural Electricity Demand

Daniel Soto
Assistant Professor Environmental Studies and Planning, SSU

Cerent Engineering Science Complex, Salazar Hall 2009A
4:00 PM

Abstract – Approximately 20 percent of the world's population lacks access to electricity because the cost of constructing networks and power plants that can reach them is too high. Entrepreneurs are installing microgrids with solar or biomass energy generation that can provide power in some of these areas. These entrepreneurs must take a risk by installing most of the electricity equipment with private funding. This work is developing estimates of the electricity demand of a community after it is connected to a new electricity source using information about the community prior to electrification. An accurate estimate of this electricity use will help microgrid operators to install the right amount of equipment, improving the financial sustainability of the microgrid. By working at the intersection of engineering and social science, we hope to enable a more rapid pace of electrification.

Dr. Daniel Soto is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Environmental Studies and Planning at Sonoma State University. Daniel teaches classes on the intersection of energy and the environment and how to use energy more efficiently. His research focuses on ways to improve energy access in the developing world. Daniel earned his Ph.D. in Applied Physics at Stanford University. He also has an M.S. in Physics from San Francisco State University and a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University. Prior to his return to academia, Daniel worked as an engineer at two startup companies creating optical micro-mechanical devices for laser displays and optical communications.