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The rural energy systems development is under the purview of the MoEST and is implemented through AEPC for taking lead in planning, policy, coordination, monitoring and fund mobilisation activities in the sector. It works through the DDCs to implement district level rural energy programmes, particularly with the assistance of REDP. A comprehensive Rural Energy Policy was promulgated by the GoN in November 2006. It highlights the role of the private sector in expanding energy solutions and replacing inefficient and unsustainable use of biomass energy with cleaner energy sources, as well as the role of community-managed energy service delivery and promotion of productive uses for poverty alleviation.REDP has been successful in developing the basic model of community managed rural energy systems and this model now needs to be scaled up and mainstreamed in all districts and national as well as local level planning systems. It needs to enlarge its mandate as a rural energy programme responding to the expressed energy needs, including cooking energy as well as micro-hydro based rural electrification. REDP needs to respond to the peace-building demand for energy service delivery in poorer and more remote areas including women, the poor, and socially excluded groups. In order to meet these needs, livelihoods promotion needs to be closely linked with energy service delivery and supported. In addition, the promulgation of the rural energy policy is only the first step, and this needs to be made functional and operational through district-level energy planning, coordination and awareness creation in all 75 districts.
