This paper discusses the use of Geographical Informa-tion System (GIS) in the planning process for rural electri-fication. The aim is to identify patterns of demand and
priority areas of need. By creating a demand-side sce-nario, electricity can then be supplied to targeted areas.
A cross-sectoral view is taken to examine the energy de-mand patterns using physical data and available country
statistics that are then incorporated into a GIS master
database. The initial priority demand-side sectors tar-geted, in terms of energy needs, are education and
health. As a result of this preliminary work, areas can be
identified and targeted for rural electricity investment,
which include off-grid renewable energy plants such as
small-scale hydropower schemes.