ECONOMIC CONSULTING ASSOCIATES

ECA assists both public and private sector clients in developing regulatory frameworks and analysing business models which target the provision of infrastructure to rural areas. We adopt approaches which are economically sustainable whilst remaining affordable, utilising the most appropriate innovations in technology and business model design to promote the efficient and effective delivery of vital energy and water resources to people who need them most.

Projects

Performance based grant scheme for gas heating infrastructure, Armenia

ECA designed a grant scheme to help fund gas heating infrastructure for low income households living in urban multi-apartment buildings.

Djibouti: solar rural electrification programme

ECA advised the Government of Djibouti and the World Bank on the design and roll out of a solar electrification programme in rural areas. We conducted an international best practice review, designed a pilot programme for a solar mini grid system and drafted the necessary documents required for the successful implementation of the recommended programme.

LPG feasibility and strategy, Kenya

ECA carried out a market appraisal of the feasibility of an LPG import and bottling facility in Mombasa to supply Kenya and neighbouring countries, plus an assessment of institutional arrangements for distribution of LPG throughout Kenya.

Water strategy development for global microfinance company, worldwide

ECA provided economic and market input into the development of global microfinance organisation Opportunity International’s new strategy plan for improving access of poor households to clean water through providing microfinance in the small-scale water and sanitation sector.

Impact analysis of innovative infrastructure provision models, Africa

ECA carried out a review and evaluation of the performance of infrastructure investment projects in the water, energy, transport and irrigation sectors in Africa on behalf of a confidential private sector client. Job creation and poverty alleviation were major objectives of the interventions.

Financial and institutional frameworks for rural electricity, Vietnam

The objective of this study was to design institutional and financial frameworks for localised rural electricity distribution systems. This project began Phase II of Vietnam’s World Bank supported RE programme.

Private sector rural electrification, Lao PDR

ECA was responsible for developing the terms and conditions of the management contract under which responsibility for the implementation of a scaled-up rural electrification programme will be contracted out to the private sector.

Lessons in private provision of rural infrastructure, Cambodia, Laos PDR and Vietnam (and Guatemala)

ECA carried out a multi-country study to compare the environments for private provision of rural infrastructure (PPI) in each country and make recommendations for promoting PPI.

Lilongwe Water Board tariff and willingness to pay study, Malawi

ECA examined the Lilongwe Water Board’s current performance, forecast its cost of supply with and recommended a new tariff policy. From the results of the customers’ willingness and ability to pay survey, recommendations were made to markedly improve access to clean water of poor households.