Abstract:
One of the most important components of socioeconomic growth is access to energy,
particularly electricity. Micro hydro power (MHP), as a green renewable energy source,
has gained immense popularity in Pakistan in recent years due to its huge potential.
However, there is limited awareness regarding the possible socioeconomic consequences
of MHP electrification that must be investigated for the sustainable utilization of this
resource. In this study, an existing 150 kW MHP was selected from village Lalkoo (Swat)
to determine the socio-economic impacts of MHP based electrification on the targeted
rural community. The primary data was collected using a questionnaire-based survey
method. Results showed that MHP electrification has an overall positive impact on various
socioeconomic elements of rural communities. MHP electrification was found to totally
replaced kerosene and candles as the primary illumination source, thereby drastically
decreasing their respective expenditures. Moreover, MHP electrification also had a
beneficial effect on education with survey indicating significant improvement in children's
study hours. Before, there was no power in the village, so residents had to rely on candles,
firewood, and kerosene for cooking and lighting. Unlike firewood and kerosene, microhydroelectricity
produces clean, smoke-free energy. So, health-related difficulties
lessened after MHP electrification, according to 75% of respondents. Awareness
regarding health issues also increased after electrification.The main soure of knowledge
regarding health according to the respondnets was TV. MHP electrification also expanded
public access to information and communication technologies. Only 2.2 percent of
respondents owned a television before electrification, whereas nearly 60 percent of
respondents owned one after MHP electrification. Access to electrification also improved
security situation. In terms of economy, the responders' income showed improvement as
a result of the MHP installation. However, even after electrification, there was little
change in income-generating activities. Overall, the respondents were pleased with MHP's
electrical service.
