Cristina Dominguez is our Project Director in Guatemala. Below is an excerpt of a conversation with her at the NRECA International Luncheon, held at NRECA’s 2025 PowerXchange in Atlanta, Georgia.
Q: Cristina, your story begins in Samayac – a small rural town in Guatemala. What inspired you to pursue a career in energy and rural electrification?
I grew up in a very small town in Guatemala and have been face to face with cases of extreme poverty, lack of access to basic services, and lack of opportunities. I wanted to change this—to positively impact my own community so I began volunteering in rural areas when I was 13 years old. This experience motivated me to pursue my bachelor’s degree in engineering and continue to improve people’s lives.
Then, I decided to specialize in sustainable energy, and I was fortunate enough to win a scholarship that supported my master’s studies in Europe—because, at the time, that career path didn’t yet exist in Guatemala. Of course, my parents were excited and motivated me to pursue my dreams. But they were also sad to see me leave. In my country, when someone leaves for better opportunities or to study abroad, it is unlikely they will return.
In my case, it was different. My motivation has always been to improve people’s quality of life in my own country and beyond. So, when I left, the goal was clear—return and contribute to Guatemala’s development. That led me to pursue a PhD in energy access and sustainable development, and I’ve been working in the field for almost 10 years now.
Our community is not just where we live, our community is the world.
Q: NRECA International has a strong presence in Guatemala. How has it gone beyond electrification to support long-term development for rural communities?
If we compare my hometown when my grandparents and parents were young to how it was when I was a child, and to what it is now, we can see the impact that access to infrastructure and markets has had. The development of new and existing commercial activities has contributed enormously to prosperity. Today, my town is one of the main producers of cacao and leather products at a large scale.
During my years of experience in the energy access field, one thing that became evident is that technology alone does not necessarily bring economic development. That’s why NRECA International implements productive uses of energy programs that help rural families generate income, grow businesses, and connect to local and even international markets to multiply their impact and sustainability in the long term. This is what helps families keep their lights on.
Q: Can you share examples of PUE programs that NRECA International has implemented? And what impact did it have in Guatemala?
One of the most impactful programs was the USDA’s Electricity for Progress Trust Fund, implemented from the early 2000s until 2016. This fund had over 100 beneficiaries, drove economic development by providing accessible loans to communities and entrepreneurs, helping them use electricity to improve their quality of life and boost business productivity.
For example, in one newly electrified community where Indigenous women produced textiles and wooden handicrafts, the fund helped them buy electric sewing machines and wood cutters to boost their production, sales and income — this benefitted over 22 families. When we pair electrification with PUE programs, communities thrive once they have access to power.
Q: What are the next steps for NRECA International’s work in Guatemala and how can NRECA’s member co-ops continue to support these efforts?
First, I want to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of NRECA’s member co-ops. Their support has transformed lives of so many families in Guatemala’s rural communities.
Now that many of these families have access to electricity—allowing children to study at night, improving security, and connecting communities—the next step is to support businesses so communities will be able to keep their lights on. There is an opportunity to continue implementing initiatives that promote productive uses of electricity in Guatemala. And this will open new doors and opportunities for long-lasting impact as we continue to bridge energy access gaps.
One thing that I’ve learned at NRECA International is that our community is not limited to the place where we live, our community is the world. I encourage all NRECA’s member electric co-ops to continue making a positive impact and changing lives in Guatemala’s rural communities. Your support truly makes a difference, and together, we can continue keeping the lights on.