Spillover Effects and Regional Determinants in the Ecuadorian Clean-Cooking Program: A Spatiotemporal Econometric Analysis

Developing countries are making great efforts to electrify, reduce dependence on fossil fuels and deal with climate change. In 2014, Ecuador launched the clean-cooking program Programa de Cocción Eficiente (PCE) aimed at replacing liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)-fired cookstoves and boilers with electric devices. This paper explores the spatial determinants of participation in this program using detailed subnational socioeconomic data and a monthly electricity dataset (2015–2021) at the parish level. We identify relevant spillover effects in participation, which are higher in parishes with a better quality of supply. Moreover, participation in other subsidized programs positively affects participation in the PCE. Policy recommendations include the need to perform detailed spatial analyses and implement a place-based approach to these programs, considering potential spatial effects and the spatial heterogeneity of parishes. Finally, regulatory incentives to improve the quality of supply are essential to increasing the success of these programs. JEL Classification : Q01, Q43, Q52, Q56