The Effect of Generator Ownership on Firm Productivity during Power Outages in East Africa

Unreliable electricity supply is a widespread problem in developing countries and past studies suggest a negative effect of power outages on firm performance. However, there has been relatively little research on how generator ownership might mitigate these negative effects and when the acquisition of generators is profitable for firms. This research project examines the impact of power outages on firm productivity in East Africa considering the effect of generator ownership in general and during blackouts using data from the World Bank Enterprise Survey.