APACE Village First Energy Model - 8 Steps to Community Electrification
Step 1 - Village First Criteria
1: Traditional Resource owners agreements and Project agreements
Traditional Resource owners agreements There must be clear, undisputed agreement with, and between all the traditional resource-owners on all resource access, resource use, and the distribution of the benefits that result from the community micro-hydroelectricity system.
Project agreements The community must be willing to sign comprehensive project agreements that clearly define all the responsibilities and obligations held by the different project "stakeholders".
2: Community Development Plan
The community must have or be willing to develop a comprehensive village/community development plan, with strong local understanding and acceptance.
3: Local contribution
a) The community must be willing to make an agreed and substantial community contribution to the costs of the energy system; minimum of 15% of the project cost in cash and kind.
b) Community agreement to provide labour, accommodation, tools and local materials, free of cost, to the project. This donation is valued and counted as part of the 15% local contribution.
4: Community management structure
The community either has or is willing to establish an accepted and accountable community management structure for the energy supply.
5: Women's participation
The community must encourage the active and meaningful involvement of women in all stages of the project; in on-going electricity management and in sharing the benefits of the project.
6: Appropriate technology
The community must be willing to share its experience and skills so that technical designs for the project will maximise the use of local knowledge, skills, styles and materials.
7: Youth involvement
The community will encourage and promote the integral involvement of youth in the project and in its management, as they are the future community workers and leaders.
8: Collection of tariff (electricity fees)
The community understands that no electricity is free and therefore agrees to the regular collection of tariffs by a local community-appointed authority, at a rate set by the community; and that these funds will be investment in future local development activities.
9: Village hydro technicians
The community accepts the need to provide on-going support for the trained Village Hydro Technicians either in cash or in kind.
10: Village Electrification Council
a) The community agrees to join and support the national Village Electrification Council as well as the broader local network of rural villages with similar hydro or renewable energy projects.
b) The community is also willing to assist other communities in getting or building a hydroelectricity project.
11: Long term monitoring
The community's willingness to monitor and report back on the system operation and project impact for five years after it is completed.
12: Environment
The community must have a commitment to protect their natural environment, including the land and the sea.
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