Introduction

The Government of Bangladesh published its 1st Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) in December, 2004 where the importance of rural electricity for creating employment was emphasized. Padakhep has been implementing three energy-related projects for the rural areas. These are: 1) Rural Electrification Development Program (REDP), 2) Rural Electrification & Renewable Energy Development (REREDP) project and 3) National Domestic Biogas & Manure Program (NDBMP). Of these, REDP is concerned with providing non-renewable electricity services in rural and semi-urban areas of Bangladesh. Other two projects are concerned with renewable and alternative sources of energy. Padakhep has become involved in these projects since access to renewable and non- renewable electricity and gas supply for rural people is extremely limited.