Energy Accessibility: Strategies for Equitable Energy Access in Georgia

Abstract

Energy accessibility is a crucial issue that impacts the lives of individuals and communities across the globe. Access to affordable and reliable energy is crucial for economic and social development. While global access to electricity has increased, disparities persist between urban and rural areas, particularly in developing nations. This paper examines energy accessibility in Georgia, analyzing the relationship between household income, energy expenditure, and perceived challenges related to electricity access. Despite Georgia's progress in electrification, research reveals that high electricity tariffs significantly impact Georgian households, particularly those with lower incomes. This study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining analysis of global energy consumption trends with data from a field study involving 1200 households across Georgia. The study highlights that a considerable proportion of households, especially in lower income brackets, are forced to reduce energy consumption or adopt energy-saving measures to manage costs. For instance, 77.8% of respondents identified electricity tariffs as a major challenge, with 786 resorting to energy-saving lamps and 598 reducing energy use. This situation underscores the need for targeted strategies to mitigate the financial burden of energy on vulnerable populations and promote equitable energy access in Georgia.