1 Regulatory Approaches to Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy: Case Studies from Six Developing Countries

Summary.-- This paper describes regulatory approaches to stimulating provision of electricity services among rural off-grid populations in developing countries using conventional and renewable energy sources. Six case studies draw upon the emerging experience from several countries and projects by the World Bank, UN Development Program, and Global Environment Facility. Cases describe concession and institutional arrangements, subsidies, and service standards and monitoring. The concession approach for rural off-grid electrification is relatively recent in rural development practice. Very few implementation lessons are yet available. Still, early experience can serve as a guide to regulators, firms, and development institutions seeking to promote rural off-grid electrification