Pre-paid electricity metering is expanding rapidly across the developing world. Pre-paid meters are seen as a smart technological solution to control non-payment of bills, electricity theft, and corruption. These meters can help extend electricity access, while improving the financial viability of electric utilities.

This Energy Insight reports on recent developments in the adoption of pre-paid metering in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia and examines the effects of pre-paid metering on electricity consumption.