Acces to electrical services

In the early 1990s, iED was a pioneer in developing the concept of decentralized rural electrification. Today, we focus on various technical and organizational models, including the expansion of national grids, mini-networks, and individual systems. Our work supports the enhancement of electricity access in rural, peri-urban, and urban areas, as well as contributing to the sector’s structuring and planning.

With over thirty years of experience in the sector across Asia and Africa, we assist national institutions in creating and implementing environments that enhance access to electricity services for populations. We work with local authorities, communities, and private sector players to integrate them into these initiatives, fostering effective public-private partnerships.

Access to electricity services for populations, communities, and various productive and social activities is primarily achieved through network expansion. We have developed tailored approaches that address both technical and social aspects, including network optimization (mechanical and electrical—such as GISELEC) and support for social intermediation activities to enhance connection rates, impact, and sales (e.g., in Benin and Senegal). Our expertise encompasses the entire electrification project cycle, from demand analysis to work monitoring and acceptance, including equipment specifications.

In the mini-grid segment, we provide comprehensive technical expertise in renewable or hybrid energy production, distribution networks, and metering devices. We have managed numerous projects in Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad, and Kenya, including overseeing a mini-grid co-financing line (e.g., GMG Kenya). We support operators throughout their development process, assisting with title acquisition, demand forecasting, infrastructure sizing, business planning, specification, and construction supervision. Additionally, we work with institutions and investment funds to finance mini-grid programs.

Maximizing the impact of access projects depends on a deep understanding of electricity demand dynamics. We have developed this expertise through thousands of energy surveys conducted in over thirty countries. We are dedicated to defining support measures for infrastructure projects in alignment with sectoral programming (such as health, education, and agriculture). Our multi-sector approach, leveraging GIS technology, is central to our expertise.

For over 30 years, we have actively participated in numerous working groups and professional networks focused on access to electricity, providing training to technical agents in both the private and public sectors across the North and South. Capacity development is systematically integrated into all our projects. We take particular pride in having founded the ER Club African Association for Rural Electrification and having provided its secretariat for over a decade.