Towards convergence of central grid and decentralised electricity solutions - Assessment of Indian rural electrification cases using a socio-technical framework

The paper examines the dynamics of rural electrification in India and explores the transition to a complementary convergence of decentralised and centralised electricity systems for sustainable rural electricity services. A novel socio-technical framework of analysis for assessment of cases of rural electricity systems is developed and ap-plied in Indian villages to explore the interplays of different elements of rural electricity systems, enabling and hindering factors, and actors and institutions that affect the governance and sustenance of rural electrification. A mixed research method, along with document analysis, was applied to study the socio-technical perspectives, using 21 indicators representing nine different interplays of elements of rural electricity systems. The analysis re-veals there is a significant effect of governance on technology performance, which in turn affects customer prac-tices. There is also a significant correlation between customer practices and governance. Policy enablers along with strong institutions and actors -both at the subnational and local level -are key drivers to effective gover-nance. Furthermore, irrespective of centralised or decentralised technology, adequacy and reliability of electricity supply and effective customer service delivery at the local level are important i.e., both supply reliability and quality, and customer service quality are equally important. The findings have clear policy implications for the governance of the electricity sector in India.(c) 2022 International Energy Initiative. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study examines the dynamics of rural electrification in India and the transition to sustainable rural electricity services through a complementary convergence of decentralized and centralized electricity systems. A novel socio-technical framework of analysis is developed and applied in Indian villages, revealing the significant impact of governance on technology performance and customer practices. Key drivers to effective governance include policy enablers, strong institutions, and actors at subnational and local levels.