This is part two of a four-part blog series, “Improving Electricity,” which explores the key components involved in effective electricity governance. The series draws on the experiences of WRI’s Electricity Governance Initiative, which are documented in a new report, “Shining a Light on Electricity Governance.”

Worldwide, one out of every five people lacks access to modern electricity. Affordability, quality of service, and social and environmental impacts pose great challenges in providing people with the power they need for lighting, cooking, and other activities. Good governance involving open and inclusive practices is essential to overcoming these pressing obstacles.

The National Energy Regulator of South Africa’s (NERSA’s) held its first hearing in Cape Town on January 15th, 2013 to discuss a tariff proposal by Eskom (the South African electricity public utility) that would double electricity tariffs over the next five years.