Socio-Economic Impacts of Micro Hydro Power (MHP) Electrification on the Rural Community of Pakistan: A Case Study of Village Lalkoo (Swat) 150 kW MHP Plant /

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.