Exploring the convergence of per capita electricity consumption in ASEAN countries: a spatial econometric analysis

Abstract

The convergence of per capita electricity consumption has attracted policy-makers because it provides many important suggestions for common regional policies. However, the convergence hypothesis has much less attention in the emerging country. The study aims to identify a potential absolute-convergence hypothesis of per capita electricity consumption in 10 ASEAN countries from 1980 to 2018. The empirical result by applying a spatial econometric analysis showed that the absolute beta convergence hypothesis of per capita electricity consumption is valid for the ASEAN community context. The findings would provide ASEAN members with more insights to plan sustainable energy development strategies.