The Global Carbon Council (GCC) has launched a public stakeholder consultation on its draft methodology “Methodology for Electrification of Communities Using Digital Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (DMRV) Protocol” (GCCNMT017). The methodology has been developed to support high-integrity carbon crediting for projects that deliver electricity to communities with limited or no access to modern energy services, while ensuring alignment with Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement.
The draft methodology introduces a structured and conservative framework for quantifying emission reductions from community electrification activities, with a strong emphasis on transparent monitoring and data integrity through the application of the Digital MRV systems.
Rationale for Methodology
The development of GCCNMT017 responds to the need for a dedicated carbon accounting framework for electrification projects implemented in off-grid, weak-grid, and under-served communities. Existing methodologies often do not fully address the challenges associated with suppressed demand, dispersed consumers, phased electrification, and fossil fuel displacement in remote areas.
This methodology has therefore been developed to provide clear guidance on baseline setting, additionality assessment, accounting for suppressed demand, and monitoring approaches for projects supplying electricity through renewable or hybrid systems, while ensuring conservative emission reduction estimates and consistency with host country climate objectives.
Scope & Applicability
The methodology applies to project activities that supply electricity to communities that were not connected to a national or regional grid prior to project implementation, as well as to communities transitioning from fossil fuel-based electricity systems. Applicable project activities include:
- New construction of individual renewable or hybrid electricity systems.
- Rehabilitation or refurbishment of non-operational renewable electricity systems.
- Installation or extension of renewable or hybrid mini grids.
- Hybridization of existing fossil fuel-based mini-grids using renewable energy systems.
- Extension of national or regional grids to supply new electricity consumers.
Electricity may be supplied to households, public facilities, and micro, small, and medium enterprises. The methodology does not apply to electricity generation for cooking purposes.
Key Features of Draft Methodology
The draft methodology has been designed to ensure environmental integrity while remaining practical for implementation. Key features include:
- Conservative treatment of suppressed demand in baseline emission calculations consistent with Article 6.4 requirements.
- Robust additionality demonstration requirements consistent with Article 6.4 principles.
- Multiple monitoring options suitable for off-grid and mini-grid/grid contexts, including metering, pay-as-you-go schemes, and deemed consumption.
- Integration of Digital MRV systems to enhance efficiency, transparency, traceability, and data quality.
- Safeguards to prevent double counting and ensure consistency with host country Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and Long-term Low GHG Emission Development Strategies (LT-LEDS).
These features collectively support credible emission reduction accounting for community electrification projects.
Why This Matters
Access to electricity is a critical enabler of social and economic development. By establishing a clear and robust carbon accounting framework for electrification projects, GCCNMT017:
- Expand access to carbon finance for community electrification activities.
- Supports host countries in addressing energy access challenges alongside climate mitigation and sustainable development goals.
- Encourage investment in renewable and hybrid electricity systems in underserved areas.
- Strengthens confidence in carbon credits generated from energy access projects.
This methodology reflects GCC’s commitment to linking carbon markets with real-world development outcomes.
How to Participate in the Public Consultation
The Global Carbon Council invites governments, project developers, validation and verification bodies, market participants, and other stakeholders to review the draft methodology and provide feedback to further strengthen its clarity, applicability, and environmental integrity.
- Comment Period: Open until 18th February 2026
- Submit Comments To: operations@globalcarboncouncil.com
GCC encourages all experts and practitioners working in energy access, renewable energy, and carbon markets to participate in this consultation.
GCC encourages all experts and practitioners working in energy access, renewable energy, and carbon markets to participate in this consultation.
