Kigali Data Collection: May - Aug 2025

PhD student Eliane Nirere, was part of a field team collecting data for the Energy Transition Demand Modeling Study for Rwanda.

Surveys in Uganda and Kenya show that even low-income households are already incorporating electricity into their daily routines, especially for boiling water, as part of a "fuel stacking" strategy. Although their absolute electricity consumption may be low, small increases—from 5 to 7 kWh or from 10 to 14 kWh per month—could represent significant relative growth, up to 40%. Introducing low-cost electric kettles could provide these households with convenience and a pathway to modern, clean cooking solutions. For those consuming electricity within the lifeline tariff band of 0-15 kWh per month, electric cooking holds particular appeal. The objective of this project is to explore how targeted demand stimulation through an e-boiling program can create sustained electricity demand among low-income rural households that rely on biomass use.

Surveys were conducted with over 2,000 low income households in Kigali to gather information on household energy use and socio-economic and demographic information. Energy-efficient electric kettles were distributed to about 370 participating households through a cost-sharing scheme. Electricity consumption and appliance usage will be monitored over six months.