In LDCs that are heavily dependent on oil imports for generation, an additional factor has been pressure to diversify energy sources as a result of high and volatile oil prices, particularly in 2010-2014. In particular, it highlights the need for a pragmatic approach based on local realities rather than a particular school of economic thought, and the fundamental need for realism in terms of the complexity of reforms, countries’ capacities for implementation and the time frame for delivery of their objectives. This is seen as a relatively quick and straightforward way to introduce competition without extensive restructuring, while protecting social equity (Sen et al.,