eCooking is on the radar of Members of Parliament and energy regulators

By Alicia Butterfield, Global Manager GeCCo Secretariat.

Overview

In February 2025, UKAid funded Modern Energy Cooking Services (MECS) and Climate Parliament convened a conference in Lilongwe, Malawi. It was attended by thirty-five MPs and seven energy regulators across Africa, South-East Asia and LAC as well as speakers from Energising Development (EnDev), CLASP, SOLCO, and Kachione. The dialogue focused on advancing eCooking adoption by leveraging existing solar infrastructure, refining policy environments, and addressing financing and awareness barriers.

Encouragingly, the tone of the discussions marked a shift from 2023—awareness and interest in eCooking have grown significantly, especially since the inception of the Global Electric Cooking Coalition (GeCCo) at COP28. Legislators cited eCooking examples from their own countries and are seeking practical solutions to move from pilot to scale. There was an understanding that with the right support and integration into energy access planning, eCooking could play a critical role in achieving universal clean cooking access, reducing deforestation, creating green jobs and cutting emissions.

Key sessions centred on tariff reforms, carbon finance, informal settlements, quality standards and cultural transitions. Countries like Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, Sierra Leone and Kenya gave examples of how they have integrated eCooking into National energy strategies and roadmaps. MPs also voiced strong support for institutional cooking programmes, particularly in schools, and urged for better alignment between national standards, testing labs, and import tariffs.

Key Themes explored across the sessions

🔌 Tariffs & Affordability

• Lifeline and eCooking tariffs proposed to make eCooking affordable.
• Awareness of tariffs increases adoption—Uganda pilot example outlined.

🏫 Institutional Cooking

• Exchange of examples for funding models, selection criteria, and toolkits.
• MPs offered local support to sustain programs in constituencies.

💰 Carbon Finance

• MPs interested in carbon markets & Article 6
• MECS will develop a resource specifically for legislators on the subject of carbon

🧪 Technology Access & Standards

• CLASP toolkit highlighted and will include eCooking appliances
• Countries want testing labs & product standards for quality assurance and this could be developed as regional provision

Of particular interest was the live cooking demonstration using the Kachione electric cooking system which captured the attention of the delegates.

Led by women involved in the Kachione project, the session not only impressed with its efficiency and ease of use but also highlighted the system’s potential to reduce reliance on charcoal and firewood. MPs expressed enthusiasm, with many requesting that similar demos be brought to their countries and constituencies to build public awareness.

Malawi’s Climate Committee extended an invitation to the Kachione team to present formally, including with a live demonstration to the National Cookstove Steering Committee.

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Featured image, top: Delegates of the eCooking and Energy Planning Workshop (held in Lilongwe, Malawi, 1–2 February 2025) gathered outside the workshop venue (photo credit: Eliza Cocksworth, Climate Parliament).