Access to clean and affordable energy is not just a basic necessity—it is the foundation for sustainable development and inclusive growth. Recognizing this, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) launched the Lighting a Billion Lives© (LaBL) campaign in 2008, a global initiative aimed at replacing hazardous kerosene-based lighting with clean, solar-powered alternatives in energy-poor communities. Over the years, LaBL has illuminated the lives of around 14 million people across 13 countries, enabling them to transition to safer, more efficient lighting solutions through a community-driven, entrepreneurial model.

Building on the impact and learnings from the original LaBL campaign, LaBL 2.0 is designed to push the boundaries of energy access—from basic lighting to energy for productive use and livelihood generation. This marks a significant shift from providing light to enabling life-sustaining, income-generating activities powered by clean energy. The initiative is rooted in the belief that sustainable energy access must contribute directly to improving livelihoods, empowering rural communities, and advancing climate resilience.