ENERGY SAFETY NETS

The document defines Energy Safety Nets (ESNs) as government-led approaches to close the affordability gap for essential energy services, including electricity and clean cooking fuels. It distinguishes between ESNs for physical connections (one-off transfers) and those for ongoing consumption (recurring transfers). The guide outlines various targeting methods—geographic, social, economic, and demographic—and delivery mechanisms such as cash transfers, vouchers, and reduced tariffs. It emphasizes the need for gender-responsive design, robust evaluation, and high-level policy coordination to achieve universal energy access as outlined in Sustainable Development Goal 7.

• ESNs are categorized into two primary types: those providing physical connections (one-off resource transfers) and those supporting ongoing consumption (recurring resource transfers). Connection support can include free connections, reduced rates, or concessional loans for grid, mini-grid, or off-grid solar systems, as well as equipment for clean cooking like LPG cylinders and stoves.
• Policymakers can employ several targeting approaches for ESNs, including geographic targeting, social characteristics, economic characteristics (such as means testing), and demographic characteristics. The guide notes that means testing tends to increase the share of support reaching the poor but can involve high administrative costs.
• The delivery of ESN subsidies can occur through cash transfers, vouchers, reduced market prices, or direct resource transfers to providers. The document highlights India's 'PaHaL' scheme as an example of Direct Benefit Transfer, where LPG subsidies are deposited directly into bank accounts to improve transparency and remove 'ghost' connections.
• Effective ESN design must address gender differences, as women traditionally manage domestic energy but may face barriers in accessing financial services or decision-making power when transitioning to modern energy. The guide suggests targeting resource transfers to women to protect or enhance their empowerment.

APA

Sustainable Energy for All (n.d.). ENERGY SAFETY NETS. https://www.seforall.org/system/files/2020-02/ESN_policymakers-SEforALL.pdf

Chicago

Sustainable Energy for All. ENERGY SAFETY NETS. n.d. https://www.seforall.org/system/files/2020-02/ESN_policymakers-SEforALL.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Sustainable Energy for All |title=ENERGY SAFETY NETS |url=https://www.seforall.org/system/files/2020-02/ESN_policymakers-SEforALL.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{sustainableenergyforallndenergy, author = {{Sustainable Energy for All}}, title = {{ENERGY SAFETY NETS}}, institution = {Sustainable Energy for All}, url = {https://www.seforall.org/system/files/2020-02/ESN_policymakers-SEforALL.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }