The purpose of this volume is to explain more specifically how rural electrification could be most effectively used to help the numerous and disadvantaged rural masses of the third world move away from their subsistence type of existence. and significantly improve their quality of life in the coming decades. Electric power is a vital engine for growth. not only in. This book was written while the author was living and working in Sri Lanka. An attempt is made here to provide a comprehensive and balanced treatment of rural electrification and associated topics. in the context of development.