Loans from these institutions generally have a longer tenure than from commercial banks, which helps lower the energy tariff, their participation also lowers the risk profile and thus the cost of funds. However, it is important to satisfy the more stringent requirements of the development institutions, particularly regarding transparency and minimizing environmental and social impacts. It is envisaged that energy connectivity (electricity transmission lines, markets and natural gas pipelines) will initially strengthen the systems in the four subregions — South-East Asia, South Asia, Central Asia, and North-East Asia.