The Procurement Handbook for Off- and Weak-Grid Appliances

In the face of rapid global changes and growing demand for sustainable energy solutions, the need for reliable access to clean energy has never been more urgent. This is especially true for off-grid communities and in humanitarian settings, where access to energy can be a critical lifeline. In these contexts, high-quality energy appliances are not just a matter of performance—they are essential for health, safety, and resilience.

But here’s the problem: when procurement lacks clear guidelines, poor-quality appliances fail early. Money gets wasted, and essential services collapse. That is why Efficiency for Access has created this guide.

These are practical procurement guidelines for energy appliances suitable for off- and weak-grid environments. It is intended to support procurement officers and intervention implementers by providing clear, actionable guidance on how to set appropriate quality requirements for procurement tenders and select appliances that are durable, energy-efficient, environmentally sustainable, and economically viable over time.