indicator set. The data have evolved as countries have improved their electricity connection processes over time.

We collect our data from distribution utilities and independent professionals such as electricians, electrical engineers and construction companies in the main business city of each economy. In total close to 600 respondents contributed to the data for 183 economies. Our economies span a wide range of income levels and geographic regions. The sample includes 47 high income, 50 upper-middle income, 54 lower-middle income, and 32 low-income economies. Following the World Bank regional classifications, the data cover 46 economies in Sub-Saharan Africa, 18 in the Middle East and North Africa region, 24 in East Asia and the Pacific, 8 in South Asia, 32 in Latin America and the Caribbean, 24 in Europe and Central Asia and 31 in OECD high-income economies.

To ensure that the data are comparable across economies, respondents in the 183 economies covered were presented with a standard case study. Based on the case study, distribution utilities in the main business city of each economy were asked to describe the procedures for obtaining an electricity connection, along with the time and cost of completing them (see appendix I for a description of the case study used). The electricity distribution utility surveyed was the one serving the area (or areas) in which commercial warehouses are most commonly located. If there was a choice between several distribution utilities, the one serving the largest number of customers was selected. From the responses of each utility, a list of procedures was drawn up and verified through e-mail and telephone interviews with independent professionals such as electricians, electrical engineers, electrical contractors and construction companies. In some cases, regulatory agencies were also contacted.

The data are constructed using a standardized case study of a small to medium enterprise seeking an electricity connection for its newly built warehouse that will be used to store refrigerated goods. We assume that the warehouse is located in the country’s most populous city, within the official city limits and near other similar warehouses. Furthermore, it is assumed that the warehouse is not located in a special economic or investment zone, so that the electricity connection is not subject to subsidization or a faster service under a special investment promotion regime. If several options are available in terms of location, the location where electricity is most easily available is selected.

The electricity connection that is needed for the new warehouse is a 3-phase, 4-wire Y, 140 kVA connection. This connection type is representative of that of an electricity-intensive small or medium size firm. Indeed, it is about seven times the needs of a one-family household in a relatively rich country - but it is significantly smaller than that of a large manufacturing or industrial firm. The connection is done either via an overhead or an underground connection; depending on what is more common in the country, and the area in question. We assume that the internal wiring of the warehouse (which is done by a private electrician and not the utility) is completed and we record only the procedures, time and cost associated with realizing the external 5