Impact Study - Rural Electrification in Bhutan

The assumption that Rural Electrification is an excellent tool of improving the quality of life for the rural population shall be verified. The main question to be answered is: What changes have come about with the introduction of electricity to individual households and to the villages after two years respectively four years following the connection to the grid ? The changes in lifestyle of the identified number of households and institutions (220) chosen by appropriate research methodology and electrified under the Austrian assistance program “Rural Electrification II” shall be documented over a period of two years by using the same questionnaire and providing digital photo documentation on every phase. Two reports will be provided, one before construction (Phase 1, already done in 2003) and one after two years respectively (Phase 2, 2005). The reports will be summarised in form of an illustrated brochure with the main findings for distribution to the interested public.