Reaching rural customers: The challenge of market-based rural electrification

A characterization of rural energy supply models based on existing experiences, consulted experts and practical examples, are discussed. In a cash and carry model, a customer buys a individual power supply (IPS) system and the ownership is directly transfered with the payment. In case of other model named by fee-for-service model, the customer pays regular service fees through IPS or village power supply systems (VPS). In this case the service provider is the owner and is responsible for installation and operation and maintenance (O&M).