The long-term adoption of grid electricity: Evidence from rural Rwanda
This study examines the long-term effects of a grid extension programme in rural Rwanda, revealing persistently low connection rates and minimal growth in electricity consumption even after ten years. The findings suggest a need to broaden electrification policies beyond just grid expansion, as there is little evidence of significant enterprise development.
Authors
Jörg Ankel-Peters
Professor, RWIGabriel Gonzalez Sutil
PhD Candidate, Columbia UniversityVijay Modi
Professor of Mechanical Engineering and of Earth and Environmental Engineering, Columbia UniversityJoel Mugyenyi
PhD Candidate, Columbia UniversityAnicet Munyehirwe
Researcher, Inclusive Business and Consultancy Ltd. RwandaNathan Williams
PhD Candidate, Emory University
Maximiliane Sievert
Research fellow, RWI-
Masselus-et-al-Policy-Brief-September-2024.pdf
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• This brief explores findings from a study of a grid extension programme in rural Rwanda seeking to understand the long-run adoption trajectory.
• The study documents low and stagnant connection rates and minimal growth in electricity consumption up to ten years after community grid connection.
• There is no indication of noteworthy enterprise creation or of existing enterprises starting to use electricity productively despite widespread connection.
• These findings support extending debates and policies for electrification beyond the current strong focus on grid electrification.