Impacts of New Electric Line Extensions in Tanzania (In Focus Brief)

Impacts of New Electric Line Extensions in Tanzania (In Focus Brief)

Published: Mar 29, 2017
Publisher: Washington, DC: Mathematica Policy Research

Associated Project

Tanzania Energy-Sector Impact Evaluation

Time frame: 2008-2017

Prepared for:

Millennium Challenge Corporation

Authors

Kristine Bos

Duncan Chaplin

Arif Mamun

Ali Protik

John Schurrer

Divya Vohra

Key Findings

The line extensions led to:

  • A large number of new connections, though less than one-third of the number assumed.
  • Increased consumption of grid electricity, ownership of electric tools, operation of income generating activities using grid electricity, time spent watching television, and perceived safety.
  • Increased percentages of communities with an electrified school and electrified businesses.
  • No clear changes in pollution, health, income, or consumption.

The Millennium Challenge Corporation’s energy-sector project was designed to promote economic growth and curb poverty in Tanzania. Mathematica conducted an evaluation of two project components: impacts of building new lines to the electricity grid and outcomes from offering low-cost-connections to households in a subset of communities. This brief summarizes the impacts of creating new electric line extensions in Tanzania.

Efficiency Meets Impact.
That's Progress Together.

To solve their most pressing challenges, organizations turn to Mathematica for deeply integrated expertise. We bring together subject matter and policy experts, data scientists, methodologists, and technologists who work across topics and sectors to help our partners design, improve, and scale evidence-based solutions.

Work With Us