The nature, scope, and problems of electrical programs are examined in this report on developing nations. Electric power is recognized as a crucial component of the economy in most Third World countries with the potential to affect some of the most basic issues facing these countries today. Topic areas covered include: (1) electric power development (examining selected countries growth, use, and generating capacity of electricity); (2) electricity efficiency (reviewing policies, programs, and standards implemented to increase energy efficiency); (3) new approaches to rural electrification (discussing electrification's extent and assessing its social and economic impacts); and (4) decentralizing generators and institutions (presenting the advantages and disadvantages of various power projects as hydropower, diesel generators, biomass, dendrothermal, wind, and solar photovoltaic cells). Several tables are included. (ML)