Electricity Capacity Upgrade from 450 to 900 VA and Life Satisfaction of BPBL Recipients

Background: Electricity is a basic necessity that supports household welfare. Through the New Electricity Connection Assistance Program (Bantuan Pasang Baru Listrik, BPBL), the Indonesian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources provides free electricity connections to underprivileged households. In 2023, the electricity capacity provided to BPBL recipients was increased from 450 volt-amperes (VA) to 900 VA. Objective: This study examines whether the increase in electricity capacity is associated with differences in personal and social life satisfaction among BPBL recipients. Methods: The study used primary survey data from 615 BPBL recipient households across the 2022 and 2023 cohorts. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed using three methods: nearest-neighbor matching, radius caliper matching, and kernel matching. Matching quality was assessed based on covariate balance and common support. Results: The increase in electricity capacity was consistently associated with higher social life satisfaction across all three matching methods, with estimated effects ranging from approximately 9% to 17%. For personal life satisfaction, a statistically significant effect was identified only using radius caliper matching, with an estimated effect of 7.5%; the estimates from nearest-neighbor and kernel matching were not statistically significant. Conclusion: The increase in electricity capacity from 450 VA to 900 VA showed a more robust association with social life satisfaction than with personal life satisfaction. Future evaluations should consider longer observation periods to assess whether benefits in the personal domain emerge over time.