Is electricity affordable and reliable for all in Vietnam?

Abstract : This study shows that in Vietnam, the problem of providing access to clean energy for all is largely solved for now: the fraction of households without access to electricity is below two percent, the median level of electricity usage in 2014 was 100 kWh per month per household, and the fraction of households declaring unsatisfied electricity needs is below three percent. However, we also find that electricity is becoming a heavier burden in Vietnamese households’ finances, and this affordability problem will increase if electricity prices are raised to finance the clean development of the energy system. We show making the retail tariff of electricity more progressive could increase the collected revenue by 15% and at the same time provides free access to 30 kWh basic need per household.