| The Delphi research method was used to arrive at critical success factors that may lead to sustainable electric power sector structures for developing nations. A review of the existing literature identified germinal works on deregulation, privatization, and electric power sector reform along with factors that influence the effective production, management, and distribution of electric power in developing nations. The Delphi research method used three-rounds of questions in an iterative process to distill opinions from nine experts in the fields of electric power, economics, marketing, government policy, management, and leadership. The result of the engagement with the experts was a list of 30 critical success factors that were refined and distilled into six major emerging themes. Appropriate policies and political support with clearly defined objectives, suitable metrics, and penalties for under-achievement emerged as a major theme from the study. The emerging regulatory theme encompassed the need for supportive legislative framework and appropriate regulatory body. The structural theme advocated liberalization, unbundling, and competition. Appropriate tariffs to support the revenue streams, economics of the utility, and access to cost-effective capital comprised the financial theme. The emerging themes of management and leadership represent the importance of operational and strategic elements working together. The encouragement of the critical factors identified in this study under the political, regulatory, structural, financial, management, and leadership themes may lead to sustainable electric power sector structures for developing nations. |
