Improving Energy Access to the Urban Poor in Developing Countries

The case studies documented in this
report aim to inform the energy access community (including
practitioners, civil society groups, project planners, end
users) about best practices of successful energy access
initiatives targeted at slum dwellers. Eight case studies
focusing on electrification and household energy were
selected from India, Bangladesh, Colombia and Brazil, all
countries that have had varying success in providing access
to modern energy services for slum dwellers. The cases had
to meet all or some of the following criteria: 1) limited to
developing countries; 2) demonstrate innovative methods of
improving energy access, including collaborative stakeholder
engagement; 3) at least one example of small local energy
service providers; 4) contributed to community development
by promoting local skill development and income generation;
and 5) representative of electricity and different sources
of household energy. The case studies describe the existing
conditions in the slum, type of energy service provided, the
key characters involved, conditions for success, and
replicable factors. Common barriers to energy access were
identified and impact on the lives of slum dwellers, were
also discussed.