The Multi-Tier Framework
Multidimensional definition of energy access
The MTF redefines energy access from traditional binary accounting (connected or not connected, cooking with firewood or not) to a multidimensional concept that considers whether energy services are adequate, available when necessary, reliable, of good quality, convenient, affordable, legal, healthy, and safe for all.
As a result, having a grid connection does not necessarily mean having access to electricity according to the new definition, since other aspects such as reliability and affordability, among other attributes, are considered. Thus, access to energy is measured across a spectrum of levels, from Level 0 (Tier 0) (without access) to Level 5 (Tier 5) (the highest level of access).
Ranking matrix to evaluate access to electricity services
Access to electricity is measured based on standards (attributes) with multiple tiers, independent of the energy technology. The relevant attributes for evaluating household access to electricity supply are:
- Capacity: What appliances does the household use?
- Duration (including daily supply and nighttime supply): Is electricity available when the household needs it?
- Reliability: Are there frequent interruptions in electricity supply?
- Quality: Do voltage fluctuations damage the appliances?
- Affordability: Can the household afford to buy the minimum required amount of electricity?
- Legality: Is the service provided formally or informally?
- Health and Safety: Is it safe to use the electricity service, or are the household members risking their health & safety if they use it?
Each attribute is evaluated separately, and the attribute with the lowest tier determines the overall tier ranking for household access to electricity.
Ranking matrix to evaluate electricity supply
The MTF methodology defines a separate framework for measuring electricity supply. A gradual improvement in the electricity supply enables greater and better access to different appliances for different needs. Thus, in this matrix, the categorization is done according to the type of appliances used in the home. A household may obtain different rankings in household access to electricity services and electricity supply, reflecting, for example, the usage of appliances despite poor supply or inability to purchase appliances (or pay for high electricity consumption) despite adequate supply.
Ranking matrix to evaluate access to modern cooking solutions
The multi-level framework for measuring access to cooking solutions is based on seven attributes: (i) health (based on indoor air pollution), (ii) convenience (based on fuel collection time and stove preparation time), (iii) safety, (iv) affordability (including expenditure on stoves and fuel), (v) efficiency, (vi) quality, and (vii) availability. In this methodology, a cooking solution refers to the combination of cooking equipment and fuel. The assessment considers all the cooking solutions that are used, as well as the place of cooking and ventilation.
Data on access to cooking solutions, such as ventilation, the quality of the fuel used, convenience, availability, and affordability can be collected through household surveys. Other parameters, such as indoor air quality and cooking stove efficiency, can be better measured through supply side data based on laboratory tests or estimations based on mathematical models.
- Affordability: Can the household pay for both the cooking equipment and fuel?
- Convenience: How long does it take the household to get and prepare fuel for cooking before a person in the household can cook?
- Availability: Is the cooking fuel available when the household needs it?
- Quality: Does the quality of the fuel affect cooking?
- Safety: Is it safe to use the kitchen, or is the concerned person exposed to potential safety risks? Have accidents occurred in the past due to the use of cooking fuel?
The standards for the measurement of multiple attributes to describe household access to cooking solutions are summarized in the following table. The lowest tier among all the attributes determines the household’s overall tier ranking for access to cooking solutions.
