How can you ensure power system expansion is equitable and just?

Power system expansion is the process of planning and implementing new generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure to meet the growing and changing demand for electricity. However, this process is not only a technical and economic challenge, but also a social and environmental one. How can you ensure that power system expansion is equitable and just, meaning that it respects the rights, needs, and preferences of all stakeholders, especially the most vulnerable and marginalized groups? In this article, you will learn about some key principles and practices that can help you achieve this goal.

1 Understand the context

Before you design and implement any power system expansion project, you need to understand the context in which it will operate. This includes the political, legal, institutional, cultural, and historical factors that shape the power sector and the society. You also need to identify and engage with the relevant stakeholders, such as government agencies, utilities, regulators, developers, investors, customers, communities, civil society organizations, and indigenous groups. You need to understand their interests, expectations, concerns, and perspectives, and establish trust and communication channels with them.

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Chinedu N. Onyegbula

Energy Sector Specialist
Power system development is a right and also a necessity, however, it is also a provision that comes with investments in infrastructure and other value addition services. These need to be accounted for and considered. To be fair, responsible, and equitable it has been done in an efficient, effective, and sustainable way that considers market forces, interests, and human rights or concerns. First, the enabling environment has to be conducive, this is where governments ensure that the appropriate laws and regulations or regulatory environment is available that provides and considers access for all. Second, the private sector that is competent, responsible, with capacity, and has character is necessary. Third is vision driven by leadership.
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2 Assess the impacts

Power system expansion projects can have significant impacts on the environment, the economy, and the society. These impacts can be positive or negative, direct or indirect, short-term or long-term, and local or regional. You need to assess these impacts using appropriate methods and tools, such as environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA), life cycle assessment (LCA), cost-benefit analysis (CBA), and multi-criteria analysis (MCA). You need to consider the trade-offs and synergies among different impacts, and the distribution of costs and benefits among different groups and regions.

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3 Involve the stakeholders

Power system expansion projects should not be imposed on the stakeholders, but rather co-created with them. You need to involve the stakeholders in the decision-making process, from the initial scoping and screening, to the alternative evaluation and selection, to the implementation and monitoring. You need to use participatory and inclusive methods, such as stakeholder mapping, consultation, dialogue, feedback, negotiation, and collaboration. You need to ensure that the stakeholders have access to relevant information, that their views are heard and respected, and that their rights are protected and promoted.

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Tigabu A.

Renewables Business Development | Energy Policy | Project Leadership | Trigger the youth to show up good. Early. ☑️ |D*C*Y| : | Digital | Career | Youth
Often, power system infrastructure is built for a benefit somewhere else. But communities where the infrastrucure is built live along the negative impacts. This is unjust and needs to be rectified. Meagre and one time compensation is usually the justification but far from enough. There must be a long term benefit sharing mechanism in place for the infrastructures sustainability.
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4 Address the gaps

Power system expansion projects can reveal or create gaps in the power sector and the society. These gaps can be related to access, affordability, reliability, quality, efficiency, resilience, or sustainability of electricity services. You need to address these gaps by adopting appropriate policies, regulations, incentives, standards, technologies, and practices. You need to ensure that the power system expansion projects are aligned with the national and local development goals, that they meet the current and future needs of the customers, and that they contribute to the social and environmental well-being.

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5 Evaluate the outcomes

Power system expansion projects are not static, but dynamic and adaptive. You need to evaluate the outcomes of the projects, both during and after the implementation. You need to use indicators and metrics that reflect the technical, economic, social, and environmental performance of the projects, as well as the satisfaction and feedback of the stakeholders. You need to monitor and report the progress and results of the projects, and use the lessons learned and best practices to improve the future power system expansion planning and execution.

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6 Learn and innovate

Power system expansion is not a one-time event, but a continuous process. You need to learn and innovate from the experience and knowledge of the power sector and the society. You need to keep abreast of the emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities in the power system and the electricity market. You need to explore and experiment with new and alternative solutions, such as renewable energy sources, smart grids, distributed generation, energy storage, demand response, and energy efficiency. You need to foster a culture of creativity, collaboration, and learning within and among the power sector stakeholders.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you ensure power system expansion is equitable and just?

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1 Understand the context

2 Assess the impacts

3 Involve the stakeholders

4 Address the gaps

5 Evaluate the outcomes

6 Learn and innovate

7 Here’s what else to consider

Energy Engineering

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