Residential Electricity in Uganda

This study provides a basic diagnostic of residential electricity coverage and affordability in Uganda and its relationship with poverty using a series of nationally representative household surveys for the period 2002-2013. The study first analyzes trends in residential electricity coverage using both administrative and survey data. Demand-side and supply-side factors reducing the take-up of electricity service by households in areas where the service is available are estimated. The study also documents the extent to which electricity enables household to shift time use away from domestic tasks and towards market work, and the effect that this may have on poverty. The targeting performance to the poor of the subsidies that existed until 2012 is estimated and the results obtained for Uganda are compared with similar estimates for other countries. Finally the study analyzes issues related to affordability, including the impact of the subsidy removal in 2012 on household consumption, poverty, and affordability, as well as the broader economy