XXI Congreso de la Asociación Española para la Economía Energética, Pamplona (Spain). 27-29 May 2026
Summary:
Least cost electrification plans are necessary, but they are not sufficient to achieve universal access. The main challenge is not only where and when to extend service, but how to do so under affordability constraints, weak revenue bases, and limited financing capacity. This paper develops an iterative convergence procedure that links three interdependent decisions: the rollout of the techno-economic plan, the regulatory and business model, and the financing architecture. It introduces an information exchange matrix to define the minimum coordination required across these dimensions and institutions, with a convergence algorithm to identify whether emerging feasibility problems can be resolved within the existing plan or whether they force a return to the planning stage. Zambia based examples illustrate both dynamics. The result is a structured method to transform electrification plans into implementable and financeable programs.
Spanish layman's summary:
La electrificación universal no depende solo de planes de mínimo coste. Exige un diseño regulatorio y financiero que haga viable su ejecución. Este artículo propone un procedimiento iterativo para alinear planificación, regulación y financiación.
English layman's summary:
Universal electrification depends on more than least-cost plans. It requires a regulatory and financing design that makes implementation viable. This paper proposes an iterative procedure to align planning, regulation, and finance.
Keywords: electricity access; electrification planning; distribution regulation; infrastructure finance; universal energy access
Publication date: 27-May-2026.
Citation:
S. Díaz-Pastor, I.J. Pérez-Arriaga, "From least-cost plans to implementable electrification: an iterative convergence procedure for electrification planning, regulation, and finance", presented at XXI Congreso de la Asociación Española para la Economía Energética, Pamplona, Spain, 27-29 May 2026
IIT-26-101C
