What is the focus of Lesotho's energy policy?

Lesotho's Energy Policy (2015, p. 10) focuses on increasing access to renewable energy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, especially in rural areas. It plans to retain the ownership, management, and operation of energy in the hands of the government.

How does the energy sector function in Lesotho?

The energy sector in Lesotho offers opportunities for citizens to be involved in decision-making. The government can involve cooperatives in exploiting unexploited areas such as solar energy and wind energy, which Lesotho is well placed for (Mokeke, 2020, p. 3).

Should Lesotho privatize the energy sector?

The literature indicates that the failure to privatize Lesotho's energy sector facilitates the implementation of energy democracy. Although the government created REU to electrify rural areas, its successes in this regard are limited. The management of the energy sector in Lesotho is problematic and requires reforms.

Does Lesotho have a political economy of energy?

Lesotho's political economy of energy is favourable for energy democracy policies due to the fact that the energy sector is not privatized and high wind energy and solar power potentials. However, citizens' participation, ownership, and control of renewable energy resources is lacking.

Is the Lesotho Electric Company a risky energy company?

According to the Lesotho Energy Policy (2015, p. 1) the Lesotho Electric Company (LEC) is characterised as ineffective and risky. However, this paper argues for a participatory approach and citizen-owned energy sector as a solution to energy challenges instead of privatisation, building on the concept of energy democracy.

Does Lesotho have access to electricity?

Lesotho's energy sector promotes access to electricity for its citizens but retains control to limit participation. The country set an electrification target of 40% access to electricity by 2020 through Vision 2020.