Abstract
Rural
Hence, this brings us back to – Electricity, which is the cheapest and the most viable option for the rural poor. But, this brings to the fore the issues raised earlier – the distribution and management of electricity at the community level, the transaction costs involved, losses due to theft, pricing for the rural consumer et al.
This paper aims at looking at the issues mentioned above from the point of view of every stakeholder. A new rural community level distribution and management model will be explored. Also, the pricing of the services, which largely determines the willingness of the customer to switch over to the service, will be explored. Policy suggestions will be deliberated through a process of dialogue between the various stakeholders in the issue – regulation commission, advocacy agencies, and beneficiaries to name a few.
Prayas Energy Group of Prayas, a non-profit, non-governmental organization works on policy analysis, and advocacy of energy related issues and believes that energy can be a development tool. Looking at electricity as a development tool in particular and assessing the changes in equation with respect to the relationship of rural population with their environment will also constitute a major part of the study.
For conducting this study, Gram Vikas, an NGO working in the state of Orissa will be consulted. Data collection and field study will be done in the areas where Gram Vikas have their operations.
Methodology
1) Literature Survey – Intensive literature survey to understand the current scenario
2) Interaction with the stakeholders – Regulatory commissions, SEBs, Rural consumers, advocacy groups et al
3) Questionnaire – to gather primary data in rural areas of Orissa (areas of Operation of Gram Vikas)