ACCESS TO ENERGY BY ZIMBABWE’S URBAN POOR HOUSEHOLDS

摘要

The objective of this paper is to ascertain the level of affordability of electricity by poorrnhouseholds and the role of subsidies in determining affordability. The paper also analysesrnthe impact of subsidies on government and power supplier’s finances and presents policyrnoptions that could be adopted to ensure that subsidies are targeted at specific householdrncategories, they are used to amortize upfront energy costs instead of monthly bills, andrnthat they are not a burden on public and utility’s finances. It is hoped that the study willrnmake a contribution to the existing knowledge base on the characteristics and dynamicsrnof the energy supply and consumption in Zimbabwe, with special emphasis on the poorrnhouseholds in Zimbabwe. It will also contribute to the present debate on the significancernand impact of energy subsidies as well as presenting sustainable policy options onrnimproving energy services to the poor households.