Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
992375 | World Development | 2011 | 11 Pages |
SummaryProductive electricity use is widely believed to contribute to positive impacts of electrification projects. This paper investigates these impacts by comparing the performance of micro manufacturing enterprises in grid-covered and non-covered villages in Northern Benin. Using firm-level data, the analysis employs Propensity Score Matching techniques to measure differences in profits according to a grid-connection. Although beneficial impacts are found from firm creation following electrification, firms that existed before electrification perform no better than their matched counterparts from a non-electrified region. Complementary measures that sensitize firms about the implications of a grid connection are recommended as important features of program design.