Authors:
Kieran Coleman, Julia Heckmann, Neda Oreizy, and Sunny Xu
Masters of Arts Candidates – Class of 2014
Concentrations in Energy, Resources, and the Environment & International Economics
Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS)
Washington, DC, USA

Research Objectives:
The business of mini-grid development faces numerous risks on a macro and micro scale. Some of these risks are the direct result of specific policy positions while others are ‘unintended consequences’ of policy implementation. In addition, the policy and regulatory environment of a country can impede or accelerate the scalability of private sector involvement. The research focuses on India and looks to compare and contrast the practices observed there with those in other countries in order to examine what policies work in each context and how they could be implemented in additional geographies.

Methodology:
The SAIS team performed a literature review in their fall semester and look forward to incorporating the experiences of subject matter experts and practitioners over the next two months in the following formats: this questionnaire, engagement in the World Bank’s online discussion platform on “Incubating Innovation for Rural Electrification”, and individual interviews. Their research will culminate in a published document and public presentation that will be disseminated to the respondents of this survey and the community of actors involved in rural electrification and mini-grid development.

Instructions:
Feel free to leave your responses blank or indicate your uncertainty if you do not feel strongly about a particular question or find it is not relevant to your experiences or knowledge. We encourage you to approach these questions using your personal experiences, primarily, and general understanding otherwise. Please take the opportunity to briefly describe the specific policies and the policy environment you are citing.

Responses appreciated by April 15, 2014.

Contact information: noreizy1@jhu.edu