Summary:
Universal access to electricity is hampered by failures in the distribution segment of
the power sector in many low-access countries. Viability challenges have hindered the
mobilization of the substantial public and private investment needed to expand
electricity access, while the recent growth of off-grid solutions has taken place largely
in silos. To reach universal access by 2030 - as targeted under Sustainable
Development Goal 7 - a new business model for distribution is needed that leavesno-
one-behind, ensures permanence of supply, integrates the various electrification
modes (on-grid and off-grid), and is aligned with the long-term development of the
power sector. Advancing these principles, this paper proposes the Integrated
Distribution Framework (IDF) built around the idea of an entity - public, private or a
partnership - that is responsible for undertaking distribution activities in a given
territory (e.g., through a concession) and with a mandate to deliver universal access
within its service area by using an appropriate mix of electrification modes with a viable
business plan supported by cost of service regulation, viability gap funding and
adequate risk mitigation. Parts of the IDF have been successfully implemented across
the developing world, and its structure and scope can be adapted to country contexts
to scale electricity access.
Registration date: 04/12/2020
IIT-20-169A
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