Strategies for Expanding Universal Access to Electricity Services for Development

This research paper by the World Resources Institute proposes a strategic approach to expanding universal electricity access in developing countries, arguing that simple connectivity does not automatically guarantee development benefits. The authors advocate for a model that matches electricity services to specific development needs through bottom-up demand forecasting, integration with local development projects, and improved governance focusing on affordability and reliability.

• The authors argue that providing a connection to electricity, whether via a grid or off-grid source, does not inherently result in development benefits. Development is constrained if the electricity supply is of poor quality, too expensive for consumers to afford, or if there is insufficient stable demand to make the service provider's business viable.
• The paper proposes a three-part strategy to close the electricity access gap: utilizing bottom-up demand forecasting instead of top-down projections to better match technology to consumer needs; linking electrification with local development efforts to break the cycle where low economic development suppresses electricity demand; and improving governance to ensure affordability and reliability.
• To improve affordability beyond traditional subsidies, the paper suggests that governments encourage pay-as-you-go finance models, streamline regulations for distributed generation to attract private lenders, and reduce trade barriers for high-efficiency electrical products.
• The proposed approach emphasizes a broader definition of 'demand' that includes both conventional connected load and 'latent demand,' which refers to potential customers who lack physical connections, cannot afford service, or lack the development opportunities to use electricity productively.

APA

World Resources Institute (n.d.). Strategies for Expanding Universal Access to Electricity Services for Development. https://www.wri.org/research/strategies-expanding-universal-access-electricity-services-development

Chicago

World Resources Institute. Strategies for Expanding Universal Access to Electricity Services for Development. n.d. https://www.wri.org/research/strategies-expanding-universal-access-electricity-services-development.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=World Resources Institute |title=Strategies for Expanding Universal Access to Electricity Services for Development |url=https://www.wri.org/research/strategies-expanding-universal-access-electricity-services-development |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{worldresourcesinstitutendstrategies, author = {{World Resources Institute}}, title = {{Strategies for Expanding Universal Access to Electricity Services for Development}}, institution = {World Resources Institute}, url = {https://www.wri.org/research/strategies-expanding-universal-access-electricity-services-development}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }