Rapid Evidence Review No. 1: The effect of reliable provision of electricity on job creation in urban context (with factors of influence)

• Research unit: SECO
• Project number: 2025-WEQA-RER1

Short description (English)

This review examines how reliable electricity provision influences urban job creation, drawing on evidence from 29 studies. It finds strong evidence that dependable electricity supply supports economic growth and increases employment, while power outages reduce productivity, business revenues, and job opportunities, particularly for small enterprises and low-income households. Investments in renewable energy and electricity infrastructure also create additional employment. However, the scale and distribution of benefits depend on factors such as urbanization levels, governance quality, inequality, complementary infrastructure, and energy policies. Overall, reliable electricity is a key driver of urban employment and resilience, though further research is needed on long-term and distributional impacts.

Related documents

• Rapid Evidence Review No. 1: The effect of reliable provision of electricity on job creation in urban context (with factors of influence) [PDF] 2'812 kB

Legal basis for the evaluation (English)

Bundesgesetz über die internationale Entwicklungszusammenarbeit und humanitäre Hilfe (Art. 9)