Imagine a world where electricity is as universally accessible as GPS. No matter where you are, you have reliable access to power, unlocking opportunities for innovation, education, healthcare, and economic growth. Electricity is not just a convenience; it’s the backbone of modern society. Yet, millions around the world still lack reliable access to it, and even in developed nations, inequities in energy availability persist. Could treating electricity as a universal basic good transform our societies?

The idea has precedent. In the 1980s, GPS technology was initially developed for military purposes, but the U.S. government later made it freely available to everyone. Today, GPS powers industries, navigation systems, and global logistics, driving economic growth and connecting people worldwide. Electricity, if similarly universalized, could have an even more profound impact.

One pathway to achieving this vision could involve a centrally managed energy system powered entirely by renewable sources. A centralized grid could optimize the use of solar, wind, and hydropower, balancing supply and demand across regions. This would not only enhance efficiency but also make the transition to renewables more feasible on a large scale. By leveraging economies of scale, central management could reduce costs while ensuring that even the most remote areas are connected to the grid.

To ensure fairness, transparency, and public trust, such a system would need to be independently audited. Regular, rigorous audits could prevent inefficiency, corruption, and misuse of funds, while empowering communities to hold the system accountable.

Universal electricity would do more than light up homes; it would unlock potential. Entrepreneurs in rural areas could start businesses without worrying about power outages. Schools could adopt digital learning tools. Hospitals in underserved regions could keep life-saving equipment running 24/7. Energy justice could help bridge economic and social divides, creating a foundation for more equitable development.

Challenges remain. Transitioning to this model requires significant political will, public-private collaboration, and infrastructure investment. Balancing centralized oversight with regional autonomy would be critical to addressing diverse local needs. But the benefits—reduced carbon emissions, economic empowerment, and improved quality of life—make this vision worth pursuing.

Electricity as a universal basic good represents a bold but achievable idea. By reimagining energy as a shared resource, we can build a more equitable and sustainable future.