Energy poverty among urban street vendors in India: Evidence from Patna, Bihar

• High level of energy poverty present among street vendors in Patna, Bihar, India
• Vendors consider improved lighting a top priority.
• New policy interventions needed to mitigate lack of energy access

Rapid urbanization in the developing world underscores the policy challenge of urban energy poverty. This article investigates patterns of energy poverty in Patna, the capital of the state of Bihar in India. Informed by the field research, our emphasis is on inadequate lighting among street vendors. A survey of 1000 street vendors in the metropolitan area reveals high levels of energy poverty, with vendors being forced to choose between inadequate lighting and expensive power from diesel generators operated by local entrepreneurs. The survey also shows that vendors consider improved lighting a top priority and believe that improved lighting could expand their business and attract customers. While vendors are generally aware of solar panels, a few are using this technology in the marketplaces. The results reveal the need for new policy interventions that either promote grid access for the informal economy or seek new alternatives, such as solar lighting, to diesel generators.