Many chronically poor people are located in rural areas, where they often lack access to sufficient energy supplies. This policy brief makes the case that expanding the availability and improving the quality and reliability of electricity coverage and improved cooking technologies, along with the ability of the poorest people to afford these when available, can all contribute to poverty reduction. In order to sustain escapes from poverty, it advocates that there needs to be a shift in the use of energy from solely consumptive purposes to productive and income enhancing purposes.

Author: Alison O'Connell

This Policy Brief is based on the Energy Policy Guide: Energy for all: Harnessing the power of energy access for chronic poverty reduction.

Download the Energy Policy Brief here