Resource information
This study s broad goal was to identify
opportunities for promoting productive uses of electricity
in existing as well as among new small and medium
enterprises (SMEs) in the rural villages of Lao PDR to
generate income for rural people and promote economic
development. To this end, the study team conducted a market
analysis of current businesses and services, as well as
major agro-processing and other income-generating activities
in (i) six selected central and southern provinces connected
to grid-based electricity and (ii) 10 rural villages of a
remote northern district that rely on renewable
energy based, off-grid power supply. Based on the survey
results, the study team identified opportunities for the
SMEs to switch to or adopt electricity for productive
purposes; major obstacles faced by the SME owners in
utilizing electricity more fully; and suggested ways to
overcome these barriers, including the facilitating role of
EdL (Electricité du Laos, the country s national utility
company. This study relied on a social marketing survey
conducted in February 2011 as the primary data source. It
also drew from literature reviews and information gathered
from government agencies and international organizations.
Three sets of field surveys were conducted. The first set
focused on rural villages with access to grid electricity
whose main crop is rice; the surveys covered three central
(Bolikhamxai, Khammouan, and Savannakhet) and three southern
(Salavan, Champasak, and Attapue) provinces. The second set
focused on rural villages with access to grid electricity
whose main crop is coffee; the surveys covered the same
three southern provinces (Salavan, Champasak, and Attapue).
Finally, the third set focused on 10 rural villages in the
Muang Mai district of Phongsaly province (Sobnaon,
Houayvangkao, Nakang, Houaychik, Naxong, Sobhoun, NamNga,
Xongneua, Sensaat, Nakham), which are served by an isolated
grid system
