Improving Energy Access to the Urban Poor in Developing Countries

Abstract

The case studies documented in this
 report aim to inform the energy access community (including
 practitioners, civil society groups, project planners, end
 users) about best practices of successful energy access
 initiatives targeted at slum dwellers. Eight case studies
 focusing on electrification and household energy were
 selected from India, Bangladesh, Colombia and Brazil, all
 countries that have had varying success in providing access
 to modern energy services for slum dwellers. The cases had
 to meet all or some of the following criteria: 1) limited to
 developing countries; 2) demonstrate innovative methods of
 improving energy access, including collaborative stakeholder
 engagement; 3) at least one example of small local energy
 service providers; 4) contributed to community development
 by promoting local skill development and income generation;
 and 5) representative of electricity and different sources
 of household energy. The case studies describe the existing
 conditions in the slum, type of energy service provided, the
 key characters involved, conditions for success, and
 replicable factors. Common barriers to energy access were
 identified and impact on the lives of slum dwellers, were
 also discussed.