Rural Electrification Now and Then: Comparing Contemporary Challenges in Developing Countries to the USA's Experience in Retrospect

摘要

textabstractDespite its widely recognized importance, electricity is not yet available everywhere,and there are many areas of the globe which still depend on alternative sources ofenergy such as wood, charcoal and kerosene. In contrast, the USA was the firstcountry to be fully electrified. This article explores the current challenges faced bydeveloping countries, presents the historical evidence from the USA and comparesthese experiences discussing the policy relevance of the comparison. Far frombeing a smooth process, the electrification process in the USA was a long andcomplex transition. The article analyses the challenges and policy responses thatcharacterized the US electrification process. One of the outstanding features ofthese policies is that they are quite comprehensive and include subsidies and creditschemes, house ownership policies, mass media campaigns, the provision ofadequate repair service and the direct involvement of women.