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Residential Electricity Consumption in Cameroon: Access to Electricity at the Heart of Explanatory Factors using the ARDL Model

Author

Listed:
  • Azong, Tchitile Emmanuel Wilfried

    (Technologies and Applied Sciences Laboratory, Douala, Cameroon; & Higher School of Transport, Logistics and Commerce, University of Ebolowa, Ebolowa, Cameroon,)

  • Hassane, Abdelhamid Issa

    (Department of Petroleum Management and Economics, National Higher Institute of Petroleum of Mao, Chad,)

  • Guefano, Serge

    (Technologies and Applied Sciences Laboratory, Douala, Cameroon,)

  • Ewodo-Amougou, Marcel Rodrigue

    (Higher School of Transport, Logistics and Commerce, University of Ebolowa, Ebolowa, Cameroon,)

  • Sama, Jean Marie Stevy

    (Energy Laboratory, National Higher Polytechnic School of Douala, Douala, Cameroon; & Transports and Applied Logistics Laboratory, IUT Douala, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon,)

  • Fopah-Lele, Armand

    (Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon,)

  • Monkam, Louis

    (Technologies and Applied Sciences Laboratory, Douala, Cameroon,)

  • Tamba, Jean Gaston

    (Technologies and Applied Sciences Laboratory, Douala, Cameroon; & Higher School of Transport, Logistics and Commerce, University of Ebolowa, Ebolowa, Cameroon; & Transports and Applied Logistics Laboratory, IUT Douala, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon; & Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon; & Energy Insight-Tomorrow Today, Douala, Cameroon.)

Abstract

This study analyses the influence of power availability in both urban and rural locations on residential electricity consumption in Cameroon. The analysis is based on annual data covering the period 2000-2022. An ARDL model examines the short- and long-term relationships between residential electricity consumption, power availability in both urban and rural locations, living standards and industrial value added. The Toda-Yamamoto causality test is used to determine the direction of the relationships between the variables. The results highlight the existence of a long-term equilibrium relationship between access to electricity and residential electricity consumption. In the short term, access to electricity in rural areas has a positive and statistically significant effect on consumption, while urban access is associated with a decrease in residential consumption. In the long term, access to electricity appears to be a necessary but not sufficient condition for stimulating sustainable consumption, which remains strongly influenced by socio-economic and structural factors. These results suggest that electrification policies must go beyond simply extending the grid, incorporating measures to improve the reliability of supply, affordability and household purchasing power. Such an approach is essential to reduce urban-rural disparities and promote more productive and sustainable use of electricity in Cameroon. This study is the first of its kind in Cameroon to empirically analyse the relationship between household electricity consumption and access to electricity, in both urban and rural areas.

Suggested Citation

  • Azong, Tchitile Emmanuel Wilfried & Hassane, Abdelhamid Issa & Guefano, Serge & Ewodo-Amougou, Marcel Rodrigue & Sama, Jean Marie Stevy & Fopah-Lele, Armand & Monkam, Louis & Tamba, Jean Gaston, 2026. "Residential Electricity Consumption in Cameroon: Access to Electricity at the Heart of Explanatory Factors using the ARDL Model," International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy, Econjournals, vol. 16(4), pages 93-104, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:eco:journ2:v:16:y:2026:i:4:id:23624
    DOI: 10.32479/ijeep.23624
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