The Role of Familial Relations in the Infrastructure of a Prepaid Domestic Energy Service

Abstract

In this article we present an analysis of a solar microgrid based prepaid energy service as part of the ongoing process of electrification in rural India. In the provisioning of electricity from such a service we encountered a network of human infrastructure at work. Being located within the domestic realm we identify the characteristic of this infrastructure to be based on close familial ties and relationships. Using descriptive accounts from the subscribed domestic households to this new energy service we present how familial relationships and roles play out within the service in becoming a part of the infrastructure for domestic energy delivery. By making a distinction of the role of familial relations in the service delivery of domestic energy our contribution is twofold. Firstly, we highlight the specific characteristic of human infrastructure within the domestic realm for the delivery of energy as a service. Secondly, we present a potential for designing new domestic energy services by considering social relations for improving familial relations through domestic electrification.