Awareness and communication strategies

Misperceptions about the new technologies being can adversely affect their adoption. A misperception among postpaid customers that prepaid meters would lead to increased electricity costs resulted in lower-than-expected migration postpaid to prepaid meters. In addition, the full benefits of smart meters are currently not being achieved by either PLN or the business consumers because the smart meters are currently being used only to read meters remotely and at times even this is not possible due to the weak communication infrastructure in some areas.

Awareness-raising and capacity building on the safe and efficient use of electricity, and skills training in energy facilities, have several important benefits. In Madhya Pradesh, industrial and high-voltage power consumers cross-subsidize the cost of supply so that agricultural and domestic consumers pay less. To ensure this benefit and make people aware of the safety hazards on the misuse of the high voltage transmission and distribution systems, an extensive public awareness campaign was undertaken. People were also trained in the use of facilities.

Early engagement with stakeholders and design of subsidy programs responsive to the needs of vulnerable groups could expedite the implementation of complex policy reforms. The success of this program highlights the importance of the government's continuing commitment in improving the performance and sustainability of the Palau Public Utilities Corporation.

A well-thought-out project communications plan, backed by local capacity building, is needed for the successful implementation of projects in FSM. Information is often not widely shared in the FSM, and securing support for reforms can be particularly complex in this context. The Chuuk Public Utilities Corporation was able to effectively carry out its communications and outreach activities and secure support for reforms with the help of a well-defined operation, maintenance, and management contract. Project delays affected the momentum of activities in the other three states.

Technical guidance on handling heritage sites and preserving historical artifacts is critical during construction. The project engaged heritage experts to manage the preservation of the heritage sites. The experts conducted a baseline study on the heritage structures in the project site and regular monitoring of the heritage structures during construction and provided technical guidance on integrating heritage features into the overall project design. The project was successful in managing the civil works in the locale of valuable heritage sites and preserving

Continuous consultations with communities throughout the project cycle are important for meaningful adaptations in project design and avoidance of conflicts during implementation.
The Thimphu thromde used its own resources to conduct consultation and participation activities, which included national television announcements, public information campaigns including to building owners prior to construction, and community monitoring meetings.
Consultations with road users post-implementation helped confirm the perceived projects benefits.

As demonstrated by this program, providing a TA to strengthen the institutional capacity of executing and implementing agencies is essential for enabling improved project implementation. However, a caveat is to avoid an optimistic assumption that the absorptive and implementation capacities of the executing and implementing agencies would achieve a significant improvement right after the TA and capacity building measures.

The significant changes on the approved route on the BRT component at appraisal could have been avoided if significant resources to explain the BRT concept, issues, and challenges at the local context were provided during project preparation

For project areas where differences in language is considered a significant challenge, setting aside resources for translation andcommunication with the local government officials can mitigate misunderstanding during project
preparation.

Dissemination of achievements made under the program is essential for knowledge-sharing and to strengthen ADB’s image as an effective development partner, The program supported the implementation of key reforms that were relevant and highly desired by the government to accelerate the country's economic growth. It is important to communicate the achievements made, with the general public and development partners, to improve knowledge and raise awareness. Communication and public awareness are also essential to enhance ADB’s status and credibility as an effective development partner.