The need for impact evaluation in electricity access research

Bayer, P. , Kennedy, R., Yang, J. and Urpelainen, J. (2020) The need for impact evaluation in electricity access research. Energy Policy, 137, 111099. (doi: 10.1016/j.enpol.2019.111099)

Abstract

Universal household electrification is a key component of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, but the evidence base for social and economic impacts of electricity access remains unclear. Here we report results from a systematic review of impact evaluations of household electrification based on five key outcome measures. We only find 31 studies that conduct statistical hypothesis tests to assess impacts. Among these, seven draw on a randomized experiment designed for causal inference. The randomized experimental studies generate fewer positive results than observational or quasi-experimental studies, such as correlational, instrumental variable, and difference-in-differences designs. These results call for a reassessment of what we know about the impacts of household electrification. They also call for major investment in impact evaluation of electricity access using randomized controlled trials, with a particular focus on when and how energy access interventions can furnish large benefits to their intended beneficiaries. Large-scale impact evaluations using experimental methods will require close collaboration between policymakers and researchers.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Bayer, Professor Patrick
• Authors: Bayer, P., Kennedy, R., Yang, J., and Urpelainen, J.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Politics
• Journal Name: Energy Policy
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 0301-4215
• ISSN (Online): 1873-6777
• Published Online: 28 November 2019
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2019 Elsevier
• First Published: First published in Energy Policy 137:111099
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher