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Access to energy services by the poor in India: Current situation and need for alternative strategies

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  • V. S. Ailawadi
  • Subhes C. Bhattacharyya

Abstract

Poor and inadequate access to clean, reliable and affordable energy is now considered a major concern for sustainable development. India houses about a third of the world's population without access to electricity and about 40% of those without access to modern energy. This article considers India's challenge in this area, examines the energy access situation, and analyses measures pursued to improve it. The article argues that the current focus on rural electrification is unlikely to resolve the energy access problem, due to the low penetration of electricity in the energy mix of the poor. The article also argues that strategies based on energy market reform, promotion of renewable technologies and correct price signals are unlikely to succeed in changing the situation, as acceptance of this policy prescription is rather low. Instead, a bottom‐up, holistic, long‐term approach is suggested that integrates energy access with economic development, and relies on selective market intervention, local resources and local governance.

Suggested Citation

  • V. S. Ailawadi & Subhes C. Bhattacharyya, 2006. "Access to energy services by the poor in India: Current situation and need for alternative strategies," Natural Resources Forum, Blackwell Publishing, vol. 30(1), pages 2-14, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:natres:v:30:y:2006:i:1:p:2-14
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1477-8947.2006.00153.x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Subhes C Bhattacharyya, 1996. "Deregulation of petroleum product prices: the case of India," Natural Resources Forum, Blackwell Publishing, vol. 20(4), pages 281-291, November.
    2. Bhattacharyya, Subhes C., 2006. "Renewable energies and the poor: niche or nexus?," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 34(6), pages 659-663, April.
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    3. Maji, Poushali & Mehrabi, Zia & Kandlikar, Milind, 2021. "Incomplete transitions to clean household energy reinforce gender inequality by lowering women’s respiratory health and household labour productivity," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 139(C).

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