Bridging the energy divide: The impact of digital inclusive finance on urban-rural electricity consumption inequality
Summary. Digital inclusive finance significantly reduces electricity consumption inequality between urban and rural residents in China, particularly in less developed regions. The effect operates through two mechanisms: lowering income gaps between urban and rural areas and increasing renewable energy supply. Financial regulation moderately strengthens these benefits, but excessive regulation diminishes them. The findings suggest policymakers should balance financial innovation with appropriate regulatory oversight.
Cite this article
Zhang, L., & Sheng, K.. (2026). Bridging the energy divide: The impact of digital inclusive finance on urban-rural electricity consumption inequality. International Review of Economics & Finance. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iref.2026.105625
Zhang, Lei, and Kaixin Sheng. “Bridging the energy divide: The impact of digital inclusive finance on urban-rural electricity consumption inequality.” International Review of Economics & Finance, 2026. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iref.2026.105625.
Zhang, Lei, and Kaixin Sheng. 2026. “Bridging the energy divide: The impact of digital inclusive finance on urban-rural electricity consumption inequality.” International Review of Economics & Finance. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iref.2026.105625.
@article{zhang-2026-bridging-energy-divide-impact-digital,
title = {Bridging the energy divide: The impact of digital inclusive finance on urban-rural electricity consumption inequality},
author = {Lei Zhang and Kaixin Sheng},
journal = {International Review of Economics & Finance},
year = {2026},
doi = {10.1016/j.iref.2026.105625},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iref.2026.105625}
}
TY - JOUR TI - Bridging the energy divide: The impact of digital inclusive finance on urban-rural electricity consumption inequality AU - Lei Zhang AU - Kaixin Sheng JO - International Review of Economics & Finance PY - 2026 DO - 10.1016/j.iref.2026.105625 UR - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iref.2026.105625 ER -
Details
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.iref.2026.105625
- Countries
- China
- Regions
- Asia
- Categories
- energy, broadband-and-digital, policy, general-innovation
- Added
- 2026-09-01