Off-grid power solutions

Despite widespread privatization and liberalization of the electricity sector in the 1980s and 1990s, rural electrification has been largely neglected. This is attributed to the fact that rural electrification provides little by way of market incentives for profit-seeking private companies. Besides, it is also characterized by geographical remoteness, dispersed consumers, higher costs of supply and maintenance, low consumption and limited ability to pay. However, studies have repeatedly underlined both human and economic benefits of rural electrification. An Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP) study on rural electrification in the Philippines revealed that households lacking electricity were much poorer and less educated than their electrified counterparts. Another impact study on the rural electrification programme in Sri Lanka also corroborated the direct linkage between electrification and poverty eradication. The study also noted localized benefits of electricity to households that lead to enhancement in quality of life, better health and improved air quality and also illustrated long-term benefits for the community in terms of sustainable economic growth.