Publication: Lessons for Electric Utilities from COVID-19 Responses in Emerging Markets
Date
2020-09
ISSN
Published
2020-09
Author(s)
Apfalter, Stefan
Hommes, Martin
Pereira Mendes, Miguel
Toba, Natsuko
Abstract
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and
the resulting economic shutdown have severely depressed
electricity demand across the globe, with acute consequences
for the revenues and financial health of utilities, as well
as smaller providers of utility services and off-grid
companies. In many places, utility service providers also
must manage the inability of consumers to pay for their
services. Government support has been forthcoming, but
utilities need to work closely with policymakers to ensure
that programs are carefully designed in order to maintain
ongoing system reforms, competitiveness, and affordability,
and avoid long-lasting market disruptions. These support
measures should avoid redundancy among sectors and ensure
that resources are efficiently allocated and that welfare
improvements are fairly distributed across the country in a
sustainable manner. Investors must also understand changes
to utilities’ finances and should work to support further reforms.
Citation
“Apfalter, Stefan; Hommes, Martin; Pereira Mendes, Miguel; Toba, Natsuko. 2020. Lessons for Electric Utilities from COVID-19 Responses in Emerging Markets. EMCompass;Note 90. © International Finance Corporation, Washington, DC. http://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/34854 License: CC BY-NC-ND 3.0 IGO.”
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