Vol. 2011 No. 1 (2011)
Methodological Evaluation of Power-Distribution Equipment Systems in Uganda: A Randomized Field Trial
Abstract
Efficient power distribution systems are crucial for economic development in Uganda, where rural electrification remains a challenge. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with a sample size of 120 villages across Uganda. The study used a mixed-method approach combining quantitative data from electricity usage measurements and qualitative feedback surveys to assess system performance and user satisfaction. The analysis revealed that the use of solar-powered inverters significantly reduced operational costs by an average of 35% compared to conventional diesel generators, demonstrating cost-effectiveness in both financial and environmental terms. User acceptance was high with a 70% satisfaction rate. This study provides empirical evidence on the most cost-effective power-distribution equipment configurations for rural Ugandan settings. Policy makers should consider subsidizing the installation of solar-powered inverters to accelerate rural electrification and support sustainable energy access. The maintenance outcome was modelled as $Y_{it}=\beta_0+\beta_1X_{it}+u_i+\varepsilon_{it}$, with robustness checked using heteroskedasticity-consistent errors.
Read the Full Article
The HTML galley is loaded below for inline reading and better discovery.