Learning from experience in the water sector to improve access to energy services

Abstract

Providing access to safe water in developing countries has stirred global attention for decades. This focus has not been paralleled in the energy sector, with access only recently receiving explicit mention in the Sustainable Development Goals. A framework applied to identify and compare trends occurring within these sectors suggests that there are areas for cross-sectoral learning, specifically around the emergence of market-based approaches to access and community engagement practices. Leveraging the lessons learned from years of development practice in the water sector could help avoid mistakes and improve energy poverty alleviation.