Ranchi: If the energy consumption pattern is a development indicator, tribal households in Jharkhand have been worst affected during covid-induced locking and losing work.
According to a study conducted by the Advanced International Study School (SAIS), John Hopkins University entitled “Energy In Rural Jharkhand” was carried out with initiatives for sustainable energy policies (ISEP), noticed that even though there was an increase in electric grid penetration, the number of tribal households depends on Grid strength reduced from 87% to 74% while dependent on kerosene, due to the main lighting source, increased from 11% to 21% in the state.
Studies in all rural areas surveyed a total of 1,440 household rustic in all 24 Jharkhand districts between July and August 2019.
Furthermore, the follow-up round was held in July 2021.
The report was preparing after trying to study progress – or lack – in the parameters of energy access in conditions of two year, and after covid-19 pandemic.
In each district, the team tastes six villages randomly, with larger villages having a higher probability to choose from.
In each village, 10 households were randomly chosen to respond to questionnaires.
The research findings were released on Wednesday after doing a webinar entitled “Energy Access in Rural Jharkhand”.
The report release marks the conclusion of the two-year research initiative which aims to suggest policy steps for access to cleaner, affordable and sustainable energy for the masses.
The survey found that 87% of households had access to electricity (from grid, micro-grid) or solar home systems).
However, 24% prefer to use kerosene as their main lighting fuel.
Furthermore, around 34% of respondents were not satisfied with grid electricity.
One of the main reasons for this response is that unreliable and poor quality electricity supply – the average household only has access to about 10 hours of service per day, thus forcing them to rely on alternative energy sources.
Reports show access to tribal electricity increased from 82% to 86%.
From them, 80% of tribal households use lattice for lighting.
“Among the household electrical tribes with grid access, the proportion of using the grid as their main lighting source fell from 87% to 74%, while those using kerosene rose from 11% to 21%.
Of all households that use kerosene lights as kerosene as Their main lighting source, the proportion of the tribal community that is scheduled to increase from 32% to 47%, “the report is highlighted.
The proportion of household tribal with LPG access rose from 40% to 43%, and those using firewood and chips as primary fuel fell from 89% to 85%.
But in terms of using cleaning fuel, the trend descends downhill is observed.
“Reducing satisfaction with LPG, with the main obstacles to accessing charged connection and refill.
The cost is still the main reason for dissatisfaction, followed by the distance to travel to get refills.
Regardless of interest to get LPG, connection fees and monthly refill costs LPG that is discouraged from relying on it, “the report pointed.