
- How to expand rural power supply through large-scale electrification (1966-1978)
- Yim, Hong-Bin
- Global Delivery Initiative; KDI School
Title |
How to expand rural power supply through large-scale electrification (1966-1978)
Similar Titles
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Material Type | Report |
Author(English) |
Yim, Hong-Bin |
Publisher |
Global Delivery Initiative; KDI School |
Date | 2017-11 |
Series Title; No | Global Delivery Initiative |
Pages | 18 |
Subject Country | South Korea(Asia and Pacific) |
Language | English |
File Type | Link |
Subject | Industry and Technology < Energy |
Holding | Global Delivery Initiative |
License | ![]() |
Abstract
This case study examines the Republic of Korea’s Rural Electrification Project, which was carried out by the Korean government and Korea Electricity Power Corporation (KEPCO) between 1970 and 1987. The main purpose of this project was to achieve the nationwide electrification by offering long-term, low-interest loans. These loans were to be used for the construction of distribution facilities to rural residents who were regionally and financially disadvantaged, and not on large-scale transmission facilities, which would diminish return on investments. The Rural Electrification Project was a pioneering project intended to upgrade the education, culture, health, and hygiene in these areas, and was designed to develop the economy by increasing the productivity of these rural residents. As was originally planned, the electrification project made incredible progress in Korea within 10 years. Although there were still approximately 50,000 households without electricity on some islands and in remote regions, the project was galvanized again in 1983, leading to an electrification rate of 99.8 percent by 1987. This was deemed an impressive success.