Developed micro-enterprise development (MED) framework and demand generation manual solar micro-grid energy service companies 

Partner Organization: Smart Power for Rural Development India Foundation

Year: 2019

Smart Power India (SPI) was established by The Rockefeller Foundation to implement the Smart Power for Rural Development (SPRD) program. SPRD is an innovative program designed to deliver viable electricity solutions through decentralized renewable energy mini grids. Through the SPRD initiative, SPI spurs economic development among underserved rural populations in India by providing access to reliable electricity and enables the setting up of commercially viable business models for Energy Service Companies (ESCO). 

SPI also promoted various micro-enterprise development activities (>200 MEDs) around mini grid sites to create an impact on livelihood of local community as well as increasing plant performance such as installing RO water machine, bulk milk chillers, leaf plate making, rice hullers, oil expeller etc. To develop SPRD Demand Generation Manual for extending the SPI demand and livelihood generation know how to external potential stakeholders. SPRD demand generation manual for mini grids comprises site-based need assessment, HHs/Shops connection, existing commercial connection, MED intervention, institutional loads acquisition etc.  The process for development of SPRD Demand Generation Manual should include: 

  1. Secondary Data research for electricity-based livelihood generation in global context (specifically India, Africa and Myanmar) 
  2. Consultative workshop with the likeminded players including ESCOs, Livelihood experts, Government, practitioners etc.  
  3. Launch of SPRD Demand Generation Framework Manual. 

A combination of desk and primary research was applied to meet the desired objectives. The desk research covered details of electricity-based livelihood generation in global context (specifically India, Africa and Myanmar). Consultative meetings with ESCOs, Livelihood experts, Government, practitioners etc. were conducted in the course of developing the demand generation framework and handbook. 

A demand generation handbook for mini grids was prepared as one of the key outputs of the project.