1.18 Billion People Live Without Electricity, Far More Than Previously Known

What Happened A 2024 satellite study has revealed that the number of people living without electricity is significantly higher than previously understood. While official estimates from international organizations place the figure at 730 million people, satellite imagery analysis suggests the actual number is closer to 1.18 billion — a difference of nearly 450 million people. The discrepancy highlights a fundamental challenge in tracking global energy access: traditional surveys and government reports may not capture the full extent of energy poverty, particularly in remote or marginalized communities.