Energy Research Centre • University of Cape Town

Completed research projects
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Client:  Gamos Ltd

Funder: DFID     

Period: Jan 2003 - July 2004

The contribution that modern fuels, and electricity in particular, can play in improving the welfare of the urban and peri-urban poor is well recognised.  Substitution for traditional fuels has health and environmental benefits, and electricity can introduce new services, such as light, mass media and refrigeration, with impacts on education and health. 

The project looks at only one aspect required for development in informal settlement communities, namely electricity supply, although it considers this within the wider development context.  It considers the problems currently encountered in providing supplies, and the possibilities for increased availability of electricity in slums in cities of developing countries.   The focus of the research is on generating data on practical issues encountered at the client / supplier interface in slum communities.  This can be regarded as the point at which the demand (customers) and supply (local distribution companies) sides of the industry meet

Little data on energy demand exists to inform energy sector projects, and it is recognised that the demand amongst poor communities will have its own, unique characteristics.  The research will gather data on current practice regarding electrical supplies, and on electrical demand from a cross section of slum society in each country (domestic, industry, public services).

The research will gather data on a range of issues concerning the distributor–customer interface:

• Constraints to electricity supplies – there seems to be debate in the literature as to whether principle constraints are economic i.e. people can’t afford electricity, or access i.e. they simply aren’t able to get the utility to provide a supply. 
• Payment mechanisms – utilities experience problems with non-payment (and theft).  What are the reasons behind this?  Explore how people pay for other services e.g. water, rent.
• Participation – look for examples of ways in which residents (and community representatives such as local councils) have been involved in utility service provision, and ways in which it might be possible for them to participate.
• Quality of supply – what problems are encountered at present e.g. load shedding, voltage drop, connection tripping (illegal connections)?  What are priorities for customers?

There is a degree of interaction between these, but in summary, the research should investigate the Distributor-Customer management chain, with a view to gaining an understanding of the concerns and priorities present on both sides, and identifying ways in which current practice may be tailored to accommodate these, in order to promote more effective provision of utility services.

Project team: Bill Cowan [Project leader], Nthabiseng Mohlakoana