A multiobjective approach to rural energy policy analysis

Energy demand in rural areas is generally met by local energy resources. These areas are normally overlooked in the energy-planning process due mainly to the lack of data and proper analytical tools. In this paper, we apply a suitable multiobjective programming method for rural energy analysis. Multiobjective programming methods provide decision makers with an opportunity to negotiate and explore different energy options. As an illustration of the proposed method, we have analysed the energy situation of a rural area and examined the tradeoff between energy supply, investment for energy programs, and employment generation. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.