Modeling energy demand in informal settlements
Monday, July 20, 2026, 11:00 AM
Session: SOC Poster Session (In-person)
Informal settlements house a growing number of the global urban population, particularly in sub‑Saharan Africa. Energy use in informal settlements is marked by limited or unaffordable grid access, reliance on informal electricity arrangements, and continued use of traditional fuels. Informal settlements are largely excluded from energy models and planning, motivating this study’s intent to characterize energy service demands and develop a conceptual model of energy use in these settings. This project will characterize the drivers and barriers to energy service and energy carrier use. It is the first known attempt at modeling overall energy use dynamics in informal settlements. The outcomes of this work will hopefully facilitate participation of these communities in energy planning processes and form the basis of future models.
Presenter:
Emma Borjigin-Wang