Smart Power Myanmar Applied Energy Lab brief: Appliance demand

Mini-grid electricity consumption among rural customers in Myanmar is in some cases lower than what is required for a viable mini-grid, as low consumption results in low revenues. With the goal of finding ways to create profitable, sustainable mini-grid business models, Smart Power Myanmar is promoting the development of scalable approaches through various demand stimulation efforts that increase consumption and increase mini-grid utilization.

Working in 8 villages served by 3 developers under the mini-grid program managed by the Myanmar Government’s Department of Rural Development (DRD), Smart Power Myanmar conducted surveys to better understand the behavioral choices around the demand for home appliances and the impact of appliance use on electricity consumption for input into the innovative Applied Energy Lab.