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The Effects of Rural Electrification on Quality of Life: A Southeast Asian Perspective

Author

Listed:
  • Jordi Cravioto

    (Institute of Advanced Energy, Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan)

  • Hideaki Ohgaki

    (Institute of Advanced Energy, Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan)

  • Hang Seng Che

    (UM Power Energy Dedicated Advanced Centre (UMPEDAC), Higher Institution Centre of Excellence-Ministry of Higher Education (HICoE-MOHE), Level 4, Wisma R&D, University of Malaya, Jalan Pantai Baharu, Kuala Lumpur 59990, Malaysia)

  • ChiaKwang Tan

    (UM Power Energy Dedicated Advanced Centre (UMPEDAC), Higher Institution Centre of Excellence-Ministry of Higher Education (HICoE-MOHE), Level 4, Wisma R&D, University of Malaya, Jalan Pantai Baharu, Kuala Lumpur 59990, Malaysia)

  • Satoru Kobayashi

    (Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University, 46 Shimoadachi-cho, Yoshida, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan)

  • Hla Toe

    (Physics Department, Panglong University, Panglong 06114, Myanmar)

  • Bun Long

    (Electrical & Energy Engineering Department, Institute of Technology of Cambodia, Phnom Penh 120404, Cambodia)

  • Eth Oudaya

    (Electrical & Energy Engineering Department, Institute of Technology of Cambodia, Phnom Penh 120404, Cambodia)

  • Nasrudin Abd Rahim

    (UM Power Energy Dedicated Advanced Centre (UMPEDAC), Higher Institution Centre of Excellence-Ministry of Higher Education (HICoE-MOHE), Level 4, Wisma R&D, University of Malaya, Jalan Pantai Baharu, Kuala Lumpur 59990, Malaysia)

  • Hooman Farzeneh

    (Platform of Inter/Transdisciplinary Energy Research, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
    Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Engineering Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 816-8580, Japan)

Abstract

Despite the general agreement about the benefits that electrification brings to well-being, few studies have concentrated on the actual effects of electrification on the diverse non-economic dimensions of quality of life (QoL). In a multi-disciplinary and cross-institutional effort, a group of natural and social scientists have studied three electrification schemes (grid extension, centralised hybrid, and solar home systems) in four rural villages in Malaysia, Cambodia, and Myanmar. Using a novel approach with scales on several QoL measures (self-reported QoL and five QoL sub-domains; psychological, physical, social, and economic well-being; occupations; and total active time), this article presents an analysis of the effects of rural electrification on human well-being. With original data surveyed in the villages through a baseline prior to electrification and an endpoint several months after, the effects were examined through suitable statistical methods. Overall, we confirmed a positive effect of electrification in self-reported QoL levels as well as psychological, physical, and social well-being. There was, however, a certain reduction recorded in economic well-being. In the sub-domains of QoL, there were no changes after electrification in satisfaction levels concerning time use, time spent alone, housing, and personal safety, but a positive effect on satisfaction levels was observed in cooking. Finally, in terms of occupation, we observed no changes in the total hours dedicated to work and no prolonged active time on usual activities in the household. The findings provide support to the hypothesis of a positive effect on general QoL from electrification, but also suggest more precisely that, for specific QoL sub-domains, the effect might not necessarily exist, or in fact, may be negative. The article concludes by discussing differences determined by cultural aspects and technological limitations in each of the systems under study.

Suggested Citation

  • Jordi Cravioto & Hideaki Ohgaki & Hang Seng Che & ChiaKwang Tan & Satoru Kobayashi & Hla Toe & Bun Long & Eth Oudaya & Nasrudin Abd Rahim & Hooman Farzeneh, 2020. "The Effects of Rural Electrification on Quality of Life: A Southeast Asian Perspective," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(10), pages 1-28, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:13:y:2020:i:10:p:2410-:d:356916
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    References listed on IDEAS

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