Climate & Environment

Tier 1–5 Energy Access

Meaning statusEstablishedSource recordDirect source requestedWhy these are different

Definition

The Tier 1–5 framework — the World Bank/ESMAP Multi-Tier Framework — measures electricity access across six tiers (0 to 5) based on the attributes of supply: capacity available, duration (daily and evening hours), reliability, affordability, legality and safety. A bare connection supplying a few hours of light might be Tier 1; full, reliable, affordable service is Tier 5. The framework replaces the binary "connected or not" definition with a ladder of service quality.

References

Source organisationSupporting reference

This reference provides supporting context for how “Tier 1–5 Energy Access” is defined and used.

www.esmap.orgBulk import source

Source imported for editorial provenance.

Overview

How it is used

The framework structures SDG 7. 1 tracking, national electrification planning, results-based financing for off-grid solar, and energy poverty research.

Why it matters

A connection that cannot run a clinic fridge is not energy access; the tiers make that distinction official.