November 4, 2020
One of ASJ's most important investigations tackles a historic source of corruption: Honduras' electric company
Honduran Executive Director Carlos Hernández (far right), and Justice Sector Director Kenneth Madrid (far left) appear on Honduras' top morning news show to discuss our report on the national electric company.
Around the world, families depend on electricity to cook, access water, study, and connect with their communities. Yet Honduran families pay the highest rates for electricity in Latin America, often more than their monthly income.
After over six months of intensive research, ASJ (formerly known as AJS) released one of the most important investigations in our history that links this burden to corruption in Honduras’ national electric company. Honduras loses about 30% of its electricity to companies and large estates that cheat the system, a loss adding up to over $400 million a year.
Honduras loses about 30% of its electricity to theft every year, with devastating effects on the poor.
This theft affects Hondurans, especially those living in poverty, in major ways. To make up the loss, the government increases families' monthly electricity bills and uses tax money to subsidize the failing electric company.
The impact of these actions stretches beyond the energy sector, as the money used to keep the system afloat is enough to hire thousands of teachers or nurses.
Energy has also contributed to social and environmental conflicts across Honduras.
Because many politically and economically powerful families profit from energy, it is not a popular subject for justice organizations to pursue. But we believe it is a critical one to resolve.
From appearing on morning news to holding forums with the private sector and government, we are committed to advocating for
steady, affordable, and sustainable energy for Hondurans. This is one of the largest investigations ASJ has tackled in our history—stay tuned as this story continues to develop.
