Rural household energy consumption - The effects of access to electricity - evidence from South Africa

This paper examines household energy consumption patterns in rural areas in the light of energy transition theories. In particular, the study aims to identify the effects of access to electricity on fuel choice. The analysis uses data from an extensive household survey conducted in South Africa and examines the prevalence of different fuels, energy expenditure, the end-uses of fuels, and multiple-fuel use patterns. It is concluded that evidence exists for the presence of an energy transition in rural households, largely driven by income. Access to electricity affects the nature of this transition, and there is weak evidence to suggest that it accelerates the process. (C) 1998 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.