Click the star to add/remove an item to/from your individual schedule.
You need to be logged in to avail of this functionality.
Log in
Accepted Paper:
Are mini grids a solution to energy poverty? A case of mini-grids in Kenya.
Abigael Okoko
Beryl Onjala
Elsie Onsongo
Mourice Wambua Kausya
(International Centre for Frugal Innovation)
Rosebella Nyumba
(International Centre for Frugal Innovation)
Paper short abstract:
We analyze the economic sustainability of mini-grids in Kenya. We aim to present an evidence-based analysis of mini-grids in Kenya that will contribute to the development of policy frameworks focused on governing mini-grids and help us achieve access to sustainable energy by all.
Paper long abstract:
Energy poverty is lack of access to sustainable modern energy. Access to adequate, affordable, reliable, safe, and environmentally sound energy is unequally distributed across the globe therefore limiting economic development. By virtue of its versatility, electricity is critical to the country's socioeconomic development. Globally, 13% of the total population do not have access to electricity. In sub-Saharan Africa, 57% of the population live without electricity. In Kenya, only 75% of the total population has been electrified.
To improve access to electricity in Kenya, development of off-grid/mini-grids systems have been embraced. However, questions around their economic sustainability and consequently their ability to bridge the gap remains a puzzle. Studies evaluating the economic sustainability of mini-grids across different geographical contexts in Kenya are scarce. Little or no attention is given to consumers' ability to sustain the cost of these electricity systems.
Therefore, the aim of our study was to examine the economic sustainability of mini-grids in Kenya. We collect data using semi-structured interviews with households in 15 mini-grids in Kenya. We analyse energy use, willingness to connect and pay for electricity, payment platforms and their ease of access and use, affordability and reliability. Preliminary findings indicate that presence of electricity from off-grid/mini-grids does not guarantee optimum consumption. This has led to energy stacking or seeking alternative options to balance access to energy and cost of electricity despite their limitations. We aim to contribute to development of policy frameworks focused on governing mini-grids and ensure access to sustainable energy by all.
Click the star to add/remove an item to/from your individual schedule.
You need to be logged in to avail of this functionality. Log in
Accepted Paper:
Paper short abstract:
Paper long abstract:
Energy poverty is lack of access to sustainable modern energy. Access to adequate, affordable, reliable, safe, and environmentally sound energy is unequally distributed across the globe therefore limiting economic development. By virtue of its versatility, electricity is critical to the country's socioeconomic development. Globally, 13% of the total population do not have access to electricity. In sub-Saharan Africa, 57% of the population live without electricity. In Kenya, only 75% of the total population has been electrified.
To improve access to electricity in Kenya, development of off-grid/mini-grids systems have been embraced. However, questions around their economic sustainability and consequently their ability to bridge the gap remains a puzzle. Studies evaluating the economic sustainability of mini-grids across different geographical contexts in Kenya are scarce. Little or no attention is given to consumers' ability to sustain the cost of these electricity systems.
Therefore, the aim of our study was to examine the economic sustainability of mini-grids in Kenya. We collect data using semi-structured interviews with households in 15 mini-grids in Kenya. We analyse energy use, willingness to connect and pay for electricity, payment platforms and their ease of access and use, affordability and reliability. Preliminary findings indicate that presence of electricity from off-grid/mini-grids does not guarantee optimum consumption. This has led to energy stacking or seeking alternative options to balance access to energy and cost of electricity despite their limitations. We aim to contribute to development of policy frameworks focused on governing mini-grids and ensure access to sustainable energy by all.
Understanding the lived experiences of energy poverty in the Global North and South
Session 1 Thursday 7 July, 2022, -