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Mobilizing power quality and reliability measurements for electricity equity and justice in Africa

Author

Listed:
  • Olufolahan Osunmuyiwa

    (Chalmers University of Technology
    nLine Inc.)

  • Margaret Odero

    (nLine Inc.)

  • Alexandra Wall

    (nLine Inc.)

  • Jackson Goode

    (nLine Inc.)

  • Genevieve Flaspohler

    (nLine Inc.)

  • Kwame Abrokwah

    (nLine Inc.)

  • Joshua Adkins

    (nLine Inc.)

  • Noah Klugman

    (nLine Inc.)

Abstract

In sub-Saharan Africa, urban electricity inequities manifesting as poor power quality and reliability (PQR) are prevalent. Yet, granular PQR data and frameworks for assessing PQR inequities and guiding equitable electricity interventions remain sparse. To address this gap, we present a conceptual framework that leverages energy justice, capability and multidimensional poverty theories alongside concepts relating to power systems to quantify PQR inequities in sub-Saharan Africa. To demonstrate our framework and using 1 year’s worth of remotely sensed PQR data from Accra, Ghana, we assessed the distributive scale of PQR inequities, explored how multidimensional poverty exacerbates these inequities and examined the impact of PQR on households’ domestic capabilities. We found wider patterns of PQR inequities and a link between poor PQR and neighbourhoods with higher multidimensional poverty. We conclude that using remotely sensed data combined with justice and capability frameworks offers a powerful method for revealing PQR inequities and driving sustainable energy transitions.

Suggested Citation

  • Olufolahan Osunmuyiwa & Margaret Odero & Alexandra Wall & Jackson Goode & Genevieve Flaspohler & Kwame Abrokwah & Joshua Adkins & Noah Klugman, 2025. "Mobilizing power quality and reliability measurements for electricity equity and justice in Africa," Nature Energy, Nature, vol. 10(3), pages 395-403, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natene:v:10:y:2025:i:3:d:10.1038_s41560-025-01717-9
    DOI: 10.1038/s41560-025-01717-9
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Sovacool, Benjamin K. & Dworkin, Michael H., 2015. "Energy justice: Conceptual insights and practical applications," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 142(C), pages 435-444.
    4. Bouzarovski, Stefan & Simcock, Neil, 2017. "Spatializing energy justice," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 107(C), pages 640-648.
    5. Ama Baafra Abeberese & Charles Godfred Ackah & Patrick Opoku Asuming, 2021. "Productivity Losses and Firm Responses to Electricity Shortages: Evidence from Ghana," The World Bank Economic Review, World Bank, vol. 35(1), pages 1-18.
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