electrificare

Electrificare is the process of providing electric power to an area, household, or sector, enabling the use of electrical energy in homes, industry, communications and transport. It encompasses the development of generation facilities, high-voltage transmission networks, and low-voltage distribution grids, as well as customer connections and metering. Electrification projects aim to raise access to electricity, improve reliability and affordability, and support economic development and social welfare. Electrification includes rural and urban programs and can involve on-grid expansion, off-grid solutions such as solar home systems or microgrids, and, in transport, charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.

Historically, electrification began in urban centers in the late 19th century and expanded globally through the 20th century, often supported by public policy and investment programs. In recent decades, electrification has become closely tied to the energy transition, with increasing shares of generation from renewable sources and the development of smart grids and energy storage. Electrification of transport, heating and industrial processes is a major strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, though its climate impact depends on the electricity mix.

Policy and regulation play a critical role: access targets, universal service obligations, tariffs and subsidies, and the permitting framework influence cost, speed and reliability. Measuring success typically uses indicators such as electricity access rate, reliability, cost to the consumer, and the share of electrified end-uses.