Why were developing countries trapped in electricity shortage and possible policy solutions

Abstract

As a high school student, I conducted a research project in some cities of Pakistan and Bangladesh. The goal of this research is to explore the relationship between the electricity generation level and economic development in developing countries and to figure out what are the factors result in power shortage and insufficient infrastructure for residents. During the two weeks in 2018, using the methods of field research and deep interview with both the locals and the CEO of some power plants, details about the hard life of local citizens and the aspects that extremely need improvement are recorded. According to an analysis of the electricity shortage problems and the causes in the inefficient national economic policies and company operating in a bureaucratic manner, there are some policies and suggestions aimed at addressing the problems: first, since the maintenance of a stable environment is the precondition for the development, the state should spend more efforts in restoring public order; second, the management operation of an electricity power company shall follow the principles of Efficiency First; third, on the premise of respecting the local traditional culture, the labor participation rate shall be properly enhanced; more importantly, the employment rate should improve by increasing the construction of local infrastructures. As a foreigner, in less than one month of investigation, I cannot fully understand all the problems and the more complex reasons. However, I hope these suggestions may become the reference to policymakers who are both capable and willing to solve related issues.