ESRF - Rwanda Country Brief: Lifting the Burden of Electricity Subsidies, while Expanding Access

The Challenge: Growing Affordable Grid and Off Grid Access while Slimming Subsidies

ESMAP Energy Subsidy Reform Facility (ESRF) Country Brief

Limited domestic energy resources, high cost of supply, and already-high, non-cost reflective tariffs posed a complex reform challenge.

The government has been able to significantly reduce fiscal transfers to the electricity sector, while doubling new connections per year, halving tariffs for low-income households and making connection charges significantly more affordable.

ESMAP grants have supported World Bank engagement and analysis, which has helped to set out options for decisive government action.