Getting Electricity: Digitalization and the Use of Technology in the Electricity Sector
Digitalization has been identified as one of the major global trends that is transforming the electricity sector. A recent study investigating the level of digitalization at utilities in 50 economies around the world shows that almost half of them consider the digital grid as part of their strategic programs or as an area for investment. The increasing use of online processes has been affecting the entire electricity system, from power generation to transmission and distribution.
Getting Electricity: Understanding the benefits of wiring regulation
This year Doing Business deals with private sector participation in construction regulation. Involving private sector engineers or firms in construction regulation is a trend that has been gaining traction in economies around the world. Some form of private sector participation in construction regulation is employed in 93 of the 190 economies covered by Doing Business.
Getting Electricity: Factors affecting the reliability of electricity supply
This case study focuses on 4 lower middle income economies with varying levels of electricity supply reliability: Guatemala and Indonesia are examples of economies with reliable electricity supply in the main business cities; Cameroon and Pakistan are examples of economies providing an unreliable supply for customers. By comparing different aspects of their energy sectors, it highlights some key elements and actors that drive, or prevent, a reliable energy supply.
Getting electricity: Measuring reliability, prices and transparency
This year a new index has been introduced to measure the reliability of electricity supply and transparency of tariffs. A reliable electricity supply is vital for the operation of any business, as is the transparency of the tariffs for the advance planning of future expenses. The new index is based on quantitative data on the duration and frequency of power outages as well as qualitative information on how utilities and regulators handle power outages, and how tariffs and tariff changes are communicated to customers. As Doing Business data suggest, governments can use regulatory measures to encourage good practices in electricity supply systems.
Tackling high electricity connection costs: Trinidad and Tobago’s new approach
Access to electricity is essential for firms. Yet many entrepreneurs around the world struggle with high costs to connect to electricity grids. In 2013 the cost to connect a single warehouse to a power supply ranged from an average of $19,112 in South Asia to $38,500 in Sub-Saharan Africa. Globally the average was $29,134.