Providing energy for all is a major global challenge for the next two decades. Research and policy
evaluation tells us that access to electricity, together with the assets which enable its use in a
transformational way, improved cooking technologies, and mechanical power can all help people to
escape from persistent poverty. There are three policies which will help achieve this: (i) expanding
electricity coverage and distributing clean-combusting fuels and equipment to populations not yet
served; (ii) improving the ability of the poorest people to afford these when they are available; and (iii)
enhancing the reliability (total duration of interruptions during the scheduled hours of supply) and
availability (the actual hours of supply received in a given day for a given season) of energy services.
This is important if energy is to contribute in a transformational way to escaping poverty. A minimalist
approach will not do - energy is needed by poor households for productive uses as well as domestic
and community needs.