[en] Access to energy has proved to have strong links to other dimensions of socio-economic develop ment. As a first step to ensure electricity coverage in developing countries’ rural communities, a
minimum energy access must be settled. To do this, the theoretical concept of energy sufficiency
is expanded to fit in the rural energy access logic. Ideally, un-electrified communities must move
from low energy consumption states to a position where they consume enough to have a contin uous development without risking global environment goals. For that purpose, a bibliographic
review is performed to define the components of an ideal rural community where people’s basic
needs for energy services are met equitably. Main findings show that besides the household
component, public lighting, education, health, water and production services must be considered
at the moment of estimated energy demands for rural electrification. To test the implication
of this, a series of plausible village configurations of the Bolivian lowlands are proposed and
simulated using a bottom-up stochastic model. Not considering community services and income
generating activities, carries a 45 % underestimation on peak demand. In addition, improving
people’s living conditions has a considerable effect on the electricity demand of Bolivia’s rural
lowland communities.
