Does basic off-grid energy access improve well-being in off-grid informal settlements? A field experiment with off-grid solar power in Cape Town

This is the final version. Available on open access from the Africa & International Use of Energy eJournal via the DOI in this recordA major national challenge in South Africa is the continuous and sustainable provision of energy throughout various settlement regions. This research was conducted to examine the impact of clean energy access on the well-being of people through the provision of mini-grids based electricity in a selected off-grid informal urban settlement in Cape Town. A renewable energy social enterprise, called Zonke Energy installed four mini-grids towers. Interviews and surveys were used to collect data from both Zonke customers and Non-Zonke participants. Before and after intervention data were collected to assess the resultant impact of mini-grid power provision on residents’ well-being. Health, children’s education, and income savings improved among Zonke Energy Customers.British Academ