The client designed the Green Switch programme under its CSR wing to solve the gap between demand-supply of power. Along with Oorja and Transforming Rural India Foundation (TRIF) and driven by community participation, the project is implemented in 13 hamlets of Kurdeg block of Simdega district in the state of Jharkhand.
OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
The objective of the study is to conduct impact evaluations of the Green Switch programme. The aim of the project is to provide clean electricity to unelectrified homes and community spaces, including schools, through renewable energy by adopting a community partnership model, one hamlet at a time.
SATTVA”S APPROACH
The client sought Sattva’s assistance in conducting an impact evaluation of the Green Switch programme as well as an Evaluation of Carbon Emissions. For the latter, the ESG team at Sattva helped evaluate the change in carbon emissions caused by switching from kerosene (the previous energy source) to solar energy in the target hamlets for kerosene use, solar energy access, and possible grid electricity. They also gave insights based on an approximation of the reduction in carbon emissions caused by switching from traditional power sources to solar energy v/s switching from kerosene to solar energy.
Sattva assembled a team of members from diverse backgrounds, including health, education, and livelihoods. This multidisciplinary team brought extensive expertise and capabilities to ensure a comprehensive and informed evaluation of each programme.
STAKEHOLDER PROFILE
The evaluation covered end stakeholders in hamlets (13 for the impact evaluation and nine for the GHG emissions evaluation) across Kurdega in Semdeg (Jharkhand).
Sattva conducted each programme assessment using a descriptive cross-sectional design, and a qualitative approach. Data collection involved surveys, interviews, and rigorous analysis. The duration of the study was 14 weeks, tailored to the specific program and location. Data collectors for each project were trained by the Sattva team, and onsite data collection was conducted. Digital forms using Survey CTO were used with regular audio audits and back-end checks to ensure data accuracy and quality.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
The assessment was aimed at ascertaining the changes brought about by the intervention in terms of accessibility to electricity, and its impact on livelihood, women, education as well as the overall sustainability of the program. It was found that, on the whole, people were satisfied with the supply of electricity and found it to be convenient and affordable. In addition, increased per-block usage of electricity led to a decrease in that of generators. It has also led to increased socialisation within the community. A positive link was found between increased electrification and the state of employment and education. For the former, it allowed for greater efficiency and also allowed more work to be done, as well as a greater ability of farmers to grow additional crops. Similarly, it allowed for the greater rendering of services at hospitals after dark.
PROJECT DELIVERABLES
The project deliverables included a comprehensive insight deck and a concise executive summary. The findings from the assessment will influence programme design improvements, and will also be used in sourcing funding to continue the programme.
IMPACT
The project was aimed at improving access to clean electricity in unelectrified homes and community spaces, including schools, through renewable energy by adopting a community partnership model. Sattva’s assistance aimed to assess the impact, effectiveness, and long-term sustainability of the programme, providing valuable recommendations to enhance the outcomes, in order to allow the program to meet its desired objectives in the most impactful way possible.
