How can oil and gas companies take the lead to combat energy poverty?

Of the approximately 4 billion people who lack access to electricity or clean cooking facilities, 95 percent reside in sub-Saharan Africa and developing Asia, regions that, paradoxically, are home to nearly 20 percent of global oil and gas reserves. Energy poverty is one of the major issues facing the world, with enormous implications for social and economic development. Oil and gas companies are well positioned to take a leading role in addressing this challenge. We see four actions the industry can take—at the global and local levels—that will be critical to combatting energy poverty.