A Study into the Acceptability of Alternative Energy Sources in Urdu Bazar, Karachi
Since the privatisation of the Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC), three years ago, power outages (locally known as load-shedding), in Karachi, have increased causing immense loss to industry and commercial markets. This study seeks to understand the acceptability of alternative energy sources by commercial markets in Karachi. Urdu Bazaar, a commercial market for books in the centre of Karachi, was chosen for the study. The market consists of about 400 shops and retailed storage spaces. The height of the buildings varies between one to four floors.
The market was chosen because it was not a high-end retail market and most of its shop owners belonged, both in monitary and cultural terms, to the middle-middle classes. Most of the markets in Karachi belong to this category.
A survey of the market was carried out through observations, detailed interviews with the markets’ union leaders, and a questionnaire served to randomly chosen 100 shopkeepers.
Download the report here: A Study into the Acceptability of Alternative Energy Sources in Urdu Bazar, Karachi [PDF, 2.4 MB]
One Comment
Recently I have started researching alternative energy solutions and you report is really well done. From my initial survey with personal friends I had the hunch about the reasons why solar energy solutions are not taking hold despite the huge issues of load shedding and power disruptions. You report is a great job in providing facts & figures about the actual ground realities.
I would like to commend you on your report. Thank you again for the very informative ans systematic report.
Allah aapka hami o nasir ho!