This chapter discusses the concept of energy poverty: the lack of access to modern fuels such as electricity. Design of an appropriate off-grid system requires knowing the energy uses and needs of the local community and end user. In this chapter, the typical energy consumption of houses, schools, health-care facilities, and businesses in rural off-grid communities in developing countries is discussed. Characteristics of traditional fuels such as charcoal, fuel wood, animal dung, and crop residue are provided. Electricity access statistics and trends are presented. Methods of measuring electricity access through the Multi-Tier Framework are presented.