What does it mean to live without electricity? For nearly 1 billion people worldwide, energy poverty is more than just a statistic—it’s a daily reality that limits health, education, and economic opportunity.

On a recent episode of the Utopia is Now podcast, SELF’s executive director, Bob Freling, joined host Xavier Logan-Sievers for an in-depth conversation on the global energy access gap, why so many communities remain without power, and how decentralized solar solutions are making a difference.

From the unexpected benefits of electrification to the challenges of scaling access in remote regions, Bob shares insights from decades of work bringing solar power to communities that need it most.

Watch the full interview below.