This article is a chapter of the Handbook of Labor, Human Resources and Population Economics, published by Springer Cham
This paper reviews the evidence from the recent literature regarding the impact of electricity on rural households. The authors emphasize the importance of labor market and human capital transmission channels. Throughout the chapter, they argue that an important vehicle through which the benefits of electricity materialize is through their effects on the empowerment of women within households and within their communities. Their reading of the currently available evidence suggests that while access to electricity is necessary to support local economic development and stimulate a more inclusive labor market, it is however not sufficient. Complementary policies adapted to the specific needs of rural household economies must accompany access to affordable and reliable forms of modern energy.
