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Copyright of European Journal of Development Research is the property of Palgrave Macmillan Ltd. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The paper seeks to analyze residential energy use patterns and the price and energy expenditure responsiveness of household demand for residential energy in Ghana, using GLSS 7 data, the multivariate probit model, and the Quadratic Almost Ideal Demand System (QUAIDS) model. The study focuses on four main fuels; firewood, charcoal, and others (FCO), LPG, electricity, and kerosene. The results show that the demand for all household energy fuels in Ghana was significantly influenced by price, income, and social demographic factors. Household demand for electricity and LPG fuels are income elastic with values greater than 1, while FCO and kerosene fuels are income inelastic. The own-price elasticity also shows modern fuel (LPG and electricity) as the most responsive fuel to a price increase, even though all energy fuels are price inelastic and negative. The complementary cross-price elasticity of all fuels estimated must be carefully interpreted in the context of the cultural factors, socioeconomic factors, and the unique purposes of each fuel. After a robustness check was done in correcting for bias arising from zero energy expenditure, the study finds that the own-price elasticity for modern energy fuel (LGP and ECG) reduced slightly, even though the demand for all energy fuel remains negative and price inelastic. The study includes implications for policies geared towards reducing the price of residential energy fuels and policies to ensure clean and efficient residential energy fuels are readily accessible for consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the asymmetric effect of energy consumption and economic growth on carbon emissions in Ghana for the period 1970-2019. The empirical analysis employs the Nonlinear Autoregressive Distributed Lag (NARDL) approach to decompose energy consumption and economic growth into positive and negative partial sum so as to explore possible asymmetric effects of the variables on carbon emissions. The results show evidence of cointegration among the variables and the presence of asymmetry for energy consumption in the short and long run, and only long-run asymmetry exists for economic growth. Again, the findings suggest that in Ghana, positive shocks in energy consumption have significant increasing effect on carbon emissions in the long run and negative shocks in energy consumption exert decreasing effects on carbon emissions. However, the impact of positive shocks is much greater than the impact of negative shocks. The results also reveal that in the long run, positive shocks in economic growth have significant decreasing effect on carbon emissions and vice versa. It is recommended that the government of Ghana develop policies aimed at encouraging the use of renewable energy and energyefficient technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Attaining higher economic growth and development is among the topmost agenda for many countries. However, the process to attain such growth and development involves higher level of energy consumption and that may not spare the quality of the environment. A similar concern has been raised for Ghana as it aims to attain an upper middle-income status in the near future. The country's energy sector has however not been robust in meeting the electricity demand, leading to a recurrent power crisis. The study seeks to analyze the effect of income growth, electricity consumption and power crisis on Ghana's carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Design/methodology/approach: The paper relies on annual time series data from the World Bank (2020) and employs the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) and fully modified ordinary least square (FMOLS) estimation techniques for regression analysis. Findings: The results showed that the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis is valid for Ghana in the case of carbon emissions. Also, while electricity consumption has an insignificant effect on carbon emissions, electricity power crisis exerts a positive effect on emission of CO2. It was also noted that industrialization and financial development increase CO2 emissions. Research limitations/implications: Policy implications from the study include the EKC hypothesis can be a sound basis for environmental policy in Ghana. Other recommendations and areas for future research have been provided. Originality/value: The study empirically estimates the effect of electricity crisis on CO2 emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy has become the driving force for national infrastructure development, including the socioeconomic development of every society. Ghana, like many other African countries, formulated developmental policies to attain middle-income status in the medium term. Socioeconomic growth comes with an upsurge in electricity consumption. Ghana seeks to use industrialization to achieve its middle-income target. To achieve this target, there is a need to develop a reliable, sustainable and affordable energy supply in a benign environment. The entry point for Ghana to become a middle-income economy is a cost-effective and reliable electricity supply. Ghana is endowed with fossil fuel, hydro and renewable resources to drive its industrial ambitions, but the indigenous gas fields feeding some thermal plants for electricity production are decreasing and could run out by early 2030 unless new fields are discovered and may also be affected by price volatility. The untapped hydro resources are also small and unreliable if the country seeks to become a middle-income country. Despite the abundant renewable resources, they are intermittent and do not present a baseload option. In safeguarding Ghana's energy security, the country seeks to include nuclear energy into her energy mix. This research paper discusses the major drivers for nuclear energy inclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is concerned with the reliable prediction of electricity demands using the Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS). The need for electricity demand prediction is fundamental and vital for power resource planning and monitoring. A dataset of electricity demands covering the period of 2003 to 2018 was collected from the Electricity Distribution Company of Ghana, covering three urban areas namely Mallam, Achimota, and Ga East, all in Ghana. The dataset was divided into two parts: one part covering a period of 0 to 500 hours was used for training of the ANFIS algorithm while the second part was used for validation. Three scenarios were considered for the simulation exercise that was done with the MATLAB software. Scenario one considered four inputs sampled data, scenario two considered an additional input making it 5, and scenario 3 was similar to scenario 1 with the exception of the number of membership functions that increased from 2 to 3. The performance of the ANFIS algorithm was assessed by comparing its predictions with other three forecast models namely Support Vector Regression (SVR), Least Square Support Vector Machine (LS-SVM), and Auto-Regressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA). Findings revealed that the ANFIS algorithm can perform the prediction accurately, the ANFIS algorithm converges faster with an increase in the data used for training, and increasing the membership function resulted in overfitting of data which adversely affected the RMSE values. Comparison of the ANFIS results to other previously used methods of predicting electricity demands including SVR, LS-SVM, and ARIMA revealed that there is merit to the potentials of the ANFIS algorithm for improved predictive accuracy while relying on a quality data for training and reliable setting of tuning parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Demand-side management of energy seeks to foster energy efficiency investments and curtailment behaviour in households. The role of environmental concern and knowledge for both types of energy saving behaviour has hardly been investigated in middle income countries with growing middle classes and rising electricity demand. Drawing on unique household survey data from Ghana, Peru and the Philippines, this paper analyses the links from individual motivation to behaviour, and from behaviour to the impact on households' total electricity expenditures. We find that consumers with more environmental concern are more likely to adopt curtailment behaviours, but that concern does not influence energy efficiency investments. In turn, higher levels of environmental knowledge make households' energy efficiency investments more likely, but do not influence curtailment. Neither energy efficiency investments nor curtailment behaviours significantly impact households' electricity expenditures. Small differences between Ghana, Peru and the Philippines exist. • Energy consumption behaviour of middle class households in emerging economies requires more attention. • Levels of environmental knowledge matter for energy efficiency investments. • Levels of environmental concern matter for curtailment behaviour. • Sociodemographic factors are the main predictors of electricity expenditure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The implementation of Increase in Block Pricing (IBP) policy is premised on the assumption that consumers adjust their behavior to save energy in response to electricity price increases. However, consumers often lack a comprehensive understanding of the pricing schedules, leading to inaccurate consumption predictions. This study utilizes monthly electricity billing data from the administrative records of urban residential consumers of the Electricity Company of Ghana Limited to estimate the causal effect of IBP policy schedules on electricity consumption. To achieve this, we employed the Regression Kink (RK) design identification strategy to explore the kink structure of the policy function. This paper finds an inelastic causal relationship between IBP policy and electricity consumption. The results show a treatment effect of 0.41 KWh with an associated p-value of 0.473 at a robust 95 % confidence interval. Thus, IBP policy has no causal effect on electricity consumption at the 50 KWh lower block threshold. Notably, electricity consumers do not respond significantly to price increments, rendering IBP policy ineffective in achieving energy saving at the lower block threshold. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the effectiveness of IBP policy in promoting energy savings and informs researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders in the energy sector. Results can be used to develop evidence-based policies that contribute to energy conservation and climate change mitigation. • Increase in block pricing (IBP) is used to encourage energy conservation. • We estimate the causal effect of the IBP policy on electricity consumption. • We use monthly electricity billing data from the Electricity Company of Ghana. • Despite expectations, we find that IBP policy is ineffective in achieving energy conservation objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many countries have set renewable energy targets in their electricity supply mix to encourage investments in renewable energy technologies. In developing countries, however, many of such targets are either abandoned or fall far short of the target date, primarily due to issues of financing, cost of electricity, and level of unmet demand. This paper presents a Generation Expansion Planning model that can be used to assess such issues when setting a renewable electricity generation target. In particular, the model can be used by developing countries to set renewable electricity generation targets that are in line with their financial ability and thus, stand a higher chance of being achieved. Additionally, the analysis offered can inform developing countries of the cost and benefits of a renewable electricity generation target policy. The usefulness of the model is demonstrated using Ghana as a case. The results indicate that Ghana will need a budget of not less than 1% of its GDP for generation capacity investment if it desires to achieve its 10% renewable electricity generation target by 2030 while keeping unmet demand at reasonable levels. If Ghana however enforces the target at its current capacity investment levels, it risks raising unmet demand levels by an average of 4% per year and cost of electricity provision by about US$224 million annually between 2019 and 2030 when compared to the absence of a renewable electricity generation target. • A model for setting and evaluating a renewable electricity (RE) target policy is developed. • Model allows for the estimation of impacts on levels of unmet electricity demand and cost of electricity provision. • Cost-Benefit analysis of the renewable electricity target policy is provided. • A country must have in place adequate financial resources to benefit from transitioning to renewable energy. • When constrained financially, a RE target policy is likely to impact negatively on supply and cost of electricity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the dynamic causal relationship between electricity consumption and economic growth in Ghana within a trivariate ARDL framework, for the period 1971-2012. The paper obviates the variable omission bias, and the use of cross-sectional techniques that characterise most existing studies. The results show that there is a distinct causal low from economic growth to electricity consumption: both in the short run and in the long run. This finding supports the growth-led electricity consumption hypothesis, as documented in the literature. The paper urges policy-makers in Ghana to resort to alternative sources of electric power generation, in order to reduce any future pressures on the current sources of electricity production. Appropriate monetary policies must also be put in place, in order to accommodate potential inflation hikes stemming from excessive demands for electricity in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates powering Ghana's future: unraveling the dynamics of electricity generation and the path to sustainable energy by estimating endogenous parameters and employing an unrestricted Vector Autoregression (VAR) model. The model examines the linear lead–lag relationships between variables in the Ghanaian electricity sector and power consumption, using data from 2002 to 2021. The results reveal structural long-and-short-run headwinds for the unrestricted models and indicate that the growth rate of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and electricity from fossil fuels are directly correlated. Granger causality analysis highlights a feedback relationship between GDP growth rate and electricity from fossil fuel sources. The impulse response function reveals that the GDP growth rate is sensitive to exogenous shocks with lasting effects. Variance decomposition results show that renewable energy without hydropower explains a minimal variance due to shocks, while total global greenhouse emissions account for a significant proportion of the variance due to headwinds. Electricity from fossil fuel sources explains a substantial part of the variance due to headwinds, suggesting Ghana's overreliance on conventional energy sources. The study forecasts that installed renewable energy capacity will experience considerable growth by 2036, accounting for most of the energy mix. To promote a sustainable energy future, the study recommends implementing fiscal instruments that incentivize renewable energy consumption, gradually diversifying the energy mix towards natural gas as a medium-term transition fuel for grid electricity generation and shifting entirely to renewables in the long time. This research contributes valuable insights into the dynamics of electricity generation in Ghana and provides policy recommendations for sustainable energy development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This paper examines the impact of globalization and electricity consumption on the ecological footprint for Ghana. • Autoregressive Distributive Lag (ARDL) technique is employed. • Globalization significantly increases the ecological footprint. • Electricity consumption significantly increases the ecological footprint. • Globalization and electricity consumption Granger cause the ecological footprint. In light of the growing need for countries to stay within their ecological limits, this paper examines how the current wave of globalization and electricity consumption drive human demands on ecological resources for Ghana from 1971−2016. Having accounted for structural breaks, the evidence from the Autoregressive Distributive Lag bound test shows that there is a long-run association between the variables. The results reveal that globalization positively and significantly stimulates the ecological footprint. More specifically, economic and social globalization inspire the ecological footprint whiles political globalization improves the environmental sustainability by exerting a reducing effect on the ecological footprint. We further demonstrate that electricity consumption particularly from fossil-fuel based energy source deteriorates the environmental quality. Moreover, economic growth and urbanization contribute to environmental degradation. Furthermore, the causality results disclose the feedback hypothesis between ecological footprint and electricity consumption and a one-way causal relationship running from globalization to ecological footprint. Some policy insights are elucidated premised on the evidence presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study analyzes the dynamic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on consumption among Ghanaian households, by identifying the existing consumption inequalities in the households according to the different age categories of the household head and changes in consumption patterns among the household constituents. In particular, the study examines the effects of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) on household consumption and the differing impact on the different age categories of the household. Design/methodology/approach: The research methodology of the study is based on the input–output analysis of the Ghanaian economy during the years 2015 and 2021 by using data on household consumption disaggregated by age. Economic impact is estimated through multi-sector modeling, specifically a demand model expressed based on a money metric measure valued in Ghanaian cedis. This model allows us to obtain the direct impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the manufacturing sector, professional, scientific and technical activities, Water supply, sewerage, and waste management within Ghanaian households. The model also observed a negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the public sector works and defense, and SSNIT sectors of the Ghanaian economy. Findings: The findings of the study revealed that for the category of age group between the ages of 15–29 years, the consumption of manufacturing products experienced an increase of 6.20% whiles that of electricity consumption, air conditioning and heating reduced by 2.26% for the period under consideration. However, public sector works and defense, and SSNIT experienced a decline by 8.24%. For the age group between 30 and 45 years, the highest and most positive percentage change in household consumption was noted to be professional, scientific and technical activities (6.20%), Water supply, sewerage, waste management (5.98%), as well as manufacturing (5.65%). However, there was a decline in the consumption level of education by Ghanaian households during the lockdown especially among people within the age group of 46–65 years. There was a decline of 6.11% for the administrative and support services and there was also a decline the services of defense and SSNIT service consumption by 2.10%. For the final age group of 66 years and above, there was an increase of 6.94% in the consumption of such essential utilities in Ghana between 2015 and 2021. The demand for education however showed a drastic reduction of 8.1% over the study period due to this category of age group with majority of them retiring from work. Research limitations/implications: The findings from this study will help in understanding the effects caused by the pandemic on household consumption and the differing impact on different age category of the household, especially on young households. This can potentially shape future policy by especially helping policymakers to device a more targeted social safety-net policies not only to speed-up recovery, but also to mitigate the negative impact of any future outbreak of a pandemic on household consumption and limit the age gaps in consumptions. However, the study does not consider the income levels of the different age groups. This becomes a limitation of the study and can be further explored in future studies. Originality/value: This study measures the impact of a global health pandemic on the consumption of all households, with its accompanying impact of this variation. It can be noted that analyzing household consumption and quantifying the positive and negative impact on different age category of the household and the different sectors of the Ghanaian economy add to the limited knowledge of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic at the household level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pursuit of a cost-effective and low-carbon electricity generation environment is critical to achieving Ghana's economic and industrial ambitions. Ghana's development agenda calls for an average electricity consumption of about 5,000 kWh per capita by 2030. To this end, the effective harnessing of energy resources requires the implementation of robust policies for sustainable electricity generation. This study employs the IAEA MESSAGE analytical tool to conduct a quantitative assessment of electricity generation in Ghana from 2020 to 2048. The findings show that, by 2048, a diversified electricity generation scenario will result in a 32.30% decrease in cost and a 55.27% reduction in CO2 emissions, compared to an accelerated economic growth (AEG) scenario, which will increase cost and CO2 emissions by 12.21% and 21.10%, respectively. The results underscore the importance of ensuring that electricity generation policies balance economic, environmental, and social concerns. Achieving a green energy transition agenda in Ghana and other developing nations will require a long-term commitment to a generation mix that is both sustainable and economically viable. The implementation of such a policy will require an informed and dedicated effort from all stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ghana, like many African countries, is currently facing power supply shortage, which has led to load shedding. To minimize the impact of the power crisis, options such as diesel and petrol generators, grid-charged battery-inverter systems (GBIS), and solar PV with battery storage (SPVS) have been used in residential and nonresidential contexts. In this paper, we develop analytical models to conduct a technical and economic comparison of GBIS and SPVS systems. Using average electricity tariff of $0.186 for residential sector (excluding lifeline customers) we show that although initial cost of SPVS is higher, it costs 30% less than GBIS. We also show that losses associated with the GBIS are as high as 42% when viewed from a systems perspective and that some of its costs are externalized. We conclude by commending the Ghana Government’s initiative of rolling out 200,000 residential rooftop solar systems and recommend an increase in system capacities as well as a similar programme for nonresidential facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• At the mean temperature of 26.9 °C, 79% of the surveyed felt 'cool' or 'slightly cool' • At the mean operative temperature of 30.4 °C, 45.7% of the surveyed felt 'neutral' • Higher slopes of adaptive comfort equations than the standards was predicted. • The neutral temperature of 27.4 °C and 30.3 °C was predicted for AC and NV mode. • Minimum saving of 56% on cooling energy consumption could be achieved. Adaptive comfort considerations and passive design are crucial in tropical, hot and humid climates where the straightforward response to discomfort in this climate, such as in Ghana, has been the adoption of air conditioners and mechanical cooling. This approach, along with following the provisions of current international comfort standards, has resulted in higher electricity demand and excessive emissions of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. This paper presents an adaptive thermal comfort field study in library buildings in the tropical Aw climate of Kumasi, Ghana considering naturally-ventilated (NV) and air-conditioned (AC) buildings. The proposed models in this study are compared with existing studies and current international standards. Using the Griffiths coefficient of 0.5, the mean neutral temperature of 27.4 °C and 30.3 °C were predicted for AC and NV mode, respectively. Although Fanger's predicted mean vote (PMV) method overestimates the extent of changes in thermal sensation votes (TSV) by indoor operative temperature in AC mode, the neutral temperature predicted from PMV (27.8 °C) is analogous to the one estimated using TSV. The adaptive equations for Kumasi's hot and humid climate predict higher slopes of 0.17 K−1 and 0.41 K−1 in AC and NV modes, respectively, than the standards; this indicates that the Ghanaian respondents were more sensitive to the outdoor temperature changes. The average difference of 2.1 °C in AC mode and 1.8–3.3 °C in NV mode were estimated when comparing the proposed model with those in the international standards [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been established that a consistent supply of electricity to sectors of an economy is vital for economic growth. Countries in West Africa have not realized their full economic potential due to limited access to electricity. The problem with limited energy consumption has been compounded by an unstable supply of power. In this regard, diverse studies have sought to ascertain the factors that influence the consumption of electricity. However, in West Africa, there are very limited empirical works carried out to establish the determinants of electricity consumption and this has necessitated this study. The pooled OLS method is used to examine the determinant consumption of electricity for the period 1980 to 2018. In addition, the study focuses on four countries in West Africa: Nigeria, Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire and Senegal. The results indicate that gross domestic product, foreign direct investment, trade openness, industry output and population growth show a positive and significant relationship with electricity consumption. However, consumer price index has a negative and significant influence on the quantum of electricity consumed. The study recommends that projects focused to increase electricity generation capacity in West Africa should be encouraged and energy from clean sources should be harnessed to provide electricity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crucial role of electricity in prosecuting the development agenda of economies is widely known. Yet some key variables are lacking in the assessment of electricity demand determinants. One such variable is power crises. This study re-visits the discussion by investigating the role of power crises on electricity demand. We employ data from 1980 to 2018 to examine how power crises in general and in particular the 2012–2015 severe power crisis in Ghana impacts electricity consumption. Using various econometric techniques, we find that power crises have adverse effects on electricity demand in the long run. The 2012–2015 episode of power crisis in particular, has potentially led to consumers reconsidering their sources of energy by reducing electricity demand in the long term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The quest for economic development has brought adverse effects on the environment through the release of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2). This will counter the efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. This study, therefore, investigates the effect of electricity consumption and urbanization on CO2 emissions in Ghana. Electricity consumption and urbanization are among the factors that can be used to reduce CO2 emissions. Design/methodology/approach: Following the STIRPAT framework with the Hansen (2000) least squares threshold estimation strategy, the study employed annual time series data from 1971 to 2019. Findings: The study revealed a single threshold effect of both electricity consumption and urbanization on CO2 emissions. Electricity consumption intensity reduces CO2 emission when electricity consumption is below the threshold (6287GWh) but increases when consumption passes the threshold. However, urbanization exerts a positive influence on CO2 emissions regardless the level of urbanization (either before or after the threshold point). Again, the empirical results revealed that the urbanization threshold moderates the effect of electricity consumption on CO2 emissions. Research limitations/implications: Policymakers have to consider redesigning the current urbanization mode to include some new-type urbanization elements. Originality/value: The threshold effect of electricity consumption and urbanization on CO2 emissions in Ghana is examined using the Hansen (2000) least square method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are few studies on the determinants of energy consumption of households in Africa, particularly in Ghana. Thus, this study identifies the drivers of households' fuel consumption for domestic purposes and examines two fuel categories ('clean' fuels versus 'dirty' fuels). The study used Demographic and Health Survey data that has a sample of 11,835 households across Ghana. Binary categorical models (binary logistic and binary probit) were used to investigate whether a household uses 'clean fuel' or 'dirty fuel', which are estimated with socio-economic variables and spatial disparity (regional location). The results suggest that households' energy consumption is affected by socio-economic variables and rural households are more deprived than urban households in adopting clean fuels. Also, male-headed households have a higher likelihood than female-headed households to adopt clean fuels. Many households choose clean fuels for lighting than they do for cooking as wealth status improves. However, solid fuels such as charcoal and firewood remain the dominant fuel used for cooking by the majority of households. The use of these dirty fuels could hamper the health status of households because of indoor pollution. The study recommends that policies should be geared towards the provision of clean and better energy sources for households. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Surgery risks increase when electricity is accessible but unreliable. During unreliable electricity events and without data on increased risk to patients, medical professionals base their decisions on anecdotal experience. Decisions should be made based on a cost-benefit analysis, but no methodology exists to quantify these risks, the associated hidden costs, nor risk charts to compare alternatives. Methods: Two methodologies were created to quantify these hidden costs. In the first methodology through research literature and/or measurements, the authors obtained and analyzed a year's worth of hour-by-hour energy failures for four energy healthcare system (EHS) types in four regions (SolarPV in Iraq, Hydroelectric in Ghana, SolarPV+Wind in Bangladesh, and Grid+Diesel in Uganda). In the second methodology, additional patient risks were calculated according to time and duration of electricity failure and medical procedure impact type. Combining these methodologies, the cost from the Value of Statistical Lives lost divided by Energy shortage ($/kWh) is calculated for EHS type and region specifically. The authors define hidden costs due to electricity failure as VSL/E ($/kWh) and compare this to traditional electricity costs (always defined in $/kWh units), including Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE also in $/kWh). This is quantified into a fundamentally new energy healthcare system risk chart (EHS-Risk Chart) based on severity of event (probability of deaths) and likelihood of event (probability of electricity failure). Results: VSL/E costs were found to be 10 to 10,000 times traditional electricity costs (electric utility or LCOE based). The single power source EHS types have higher risks than hybridized EHS types (especially as power loads increase over time), but all EHS types have additional risks to patients due to electricity failure (between 3 to 105 deaths per 1,000 patients). Conclusions: These electricity failure risks and hidden healthcare costs can now be calculated and charted to make medical decisions based on a risk chart instead of anecdotal experience. This risk chart connects public health and electricity failure using this adaptable, scalable, and verifiable model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While renewable energy is making inroads in certain jurisdictions, there appears to be little enthusiasm or effort by many countries in the Global South when examining overall patterns of investment, despite numerous countries announcing renewable energy adoption goals. Various studies attribute this apparent lack of interest to a lack of legislative and regulatory instruments, promotional measures, and unattractive market structures. While these may be relevant factors, this study demonstrates that lack of interest can also stem from concerns over levels of unmet energy demand, coupled with the cost of energy generation. The influence of these two factors on the decision to invest in renewable energy is discussed and demonstrated through a case study on electricity generation planning in Ghana. The case study indicates that, given the projected levels of Ghana's electricity demand and expenses for generation capacity addition, the level of unmet demand could be as high as 18.5% if Ghana were to follow through with its 10% renewable electricity target by 2030. Correspondingly, the cost of electricity provision could increase by over US$221 Million annually – a substantial amount for any country, but particularly for those in the Global South. Results from the case study indicate some of the key reasons why Ghana is nowhere near its 10% renewable electricity target originally set for 2020, and why it is likely the new target year of 2030 will suffer a similar fate. Having highlighted these concerns, the paper then offers suggestions for increasing renewable energy in the Global South. • The study expounds on the major challenges that prevent countries in the Global South from fully embracing renewable energy. • The study advances the debate on the challenges of renewable energy adoption in the Global South from a quantitative point of view to put into perspective the magnitude of the challenges. • The study illustrates through a case study how these challenges have prevented Ghana from achieving its renewable energy target. • The study offer suggestions for increasing renewable energy in the Global South even in the presence of the challenges identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• 21 household appliances and 4 lighting technologies are modelled. • Refrigeration is the highest electricity consuming end-use. • Electricity consumption ranges between 588–1170 kW h/year per household by 2050. • 7 appliances and CFL constitutes 90% of electricity consumption by 2050. As the socio-economic need of mankind and population continue to grow, electricity consumption estimates become necessary for energy system planning. In Ghana, residential electricity is currently the second largest and growing rapidly. Unfortunately, adequate and reliable data on electricity consumption of household appliances is insufficient to enhance policy design and implementation. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to comprehensively disaggregate and characterize the residential electricity demand in Ghana. Nine scenarios were designed and tested between 2015 and 2050, considering 21 household appliances and 4 lighting technologies under 8 classes of electricity end-uses. A bottom-up approach based on stock accounting model and a technological-based top-down approach were adopted to estimate electricity consumption using demand factors such as population, gross domestic product and appliance ownership. Electricity consumption in 2015 was estimated as 3146 GW h for all scenarios while it varied between 6596 GW h and 19693 GW h by 2050. The results show that seven appliances and one lighting technology consisting of refrigerator, air conditioner, television, freezer, fan, electric iron, washing machine and CFL constituted about 93% of residential electricity consumption in 2015 and are projected to hold a dominant 90% share in 2050. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high incidence of electricity theft, meter tampering, meter bypassing, reading errors, and defective and aged meters, among others, increases utility losses, especially non-technical losses (NTL). A utility in Ghana piloted a non-technical loss reduction program in 2019 to replace postpaid meters with anti-tamper, anti-fraud, and anti-theft smart prepaid meters. By using customer-level residential billing panel data from 2018 to 2019 obtained from the utility, we assess the effectiveness of this program using the difference-in-differences fixed-effect approach. On average, the results indicated that the reported amount of customers' monthly electricity consumption increases by 13.2% when any tampered postpaid meter is replaced with a smart prepaid meter, indicating the NTLs by customers. We further employed quantile difference-in-differences regression and observed that reported energy consumption has increased for all households except those at the lower quantile (25th quantile). We conclude that smart prepaid metering could be a remedy to reduce NTLs for the electricity distribution sector in areas where electricity theft is rampant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]