Guidebook for Improved Electricity Access Statistics

Guidebook for Improved Electricity Access Statistics

Introduction

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has developed a guidebook aimed at enhancing the tracking of electricity access globally. The goal is to provide tools for governments to monitor progress towards achieving universal access to electricity by 2030, a key target under the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7).

Key Concepts

1. General Definition of Access to Electricity: The guidebook defines access to electricity as the availability of electricity for at least 25 hours per week.
2. Connection Technology Types: It outlines different types of connection technologies, such as grid-connected, mini-grid, and off-grid systems.
3. Access to Electricity: The guidebook provides a detailed definition and methodology for measuring access to electricity, focusing on supply-side data.
4. Supply-Side vs. Demand-Side Data Sources: It emphasizes the importance of supply-side data, which can be collected at a lower cost and with a shorter time lag compared to household surveys.

Overview of Electricity Access Tracking

1. Data Workflow Overview: The guidebook details the entire process from data collection to dissemination, providing a structured approach.
2. Implementing an Access Data Strategy: It offers step-by-step guidelines for implementing an effective data strategy.

Walking the Process: From Data Collection to Dissemination

1. Data Collection: The guidebook provides detailed instructions on collecting supply-side data from electric utilities, mini-grid operators, and off-grid system distributors.
2. Data Validation: It includes methods for validating the collected data to ensure accuracy.
3. Data Processing: The guidebook explains how to compute access to electricity indicators using the validated data.
4. Data Dissemination: It outlines strategies for disseminating the processed data to stakeholders.

Standard Method for Mini-Grids and Stand-Alone Off-Grid Systems

The guidebook proposes a standardized method to include mini-grids and stand-alone off-grid systems in calculations of access to electricity, reflecting their increasing importance in achieving universal access.

Geospatial Data Collection and Reporting

The guidebook suggests further steps for advancing geospatial data collection and reporting, which is considered the best practice for electrification planning, benefiting both electric utilities and the off-grid industry.

Acknowledgements, Contributors, and Credits

The study was prepared by the World Energy Outlook team in the Directorate of Sustainability, Technology, and Outlooks at the IEA. It was designed and directed by Laura Cozzi, with contributions from various experts and organizations, including the Power Africa initiative and the U.S. Agency for International Development.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Key Concepts
3. Overview of Electricity Access Tracking
4. Walking the Process: From Data Collection to Dissemination
5. Appendix
   • Other Sources of Data
   • Annexes
   • Glossary

This guidebook aims to provide governments with robust tools to monitor and improve access to electricity, contributing to the global effort to achieve universal access by 2030.