ISLAMABAD, Oct 17: The USAID on Friday agreed to provide financial and technical assistance to Pakistan to develop energy sector of the country.

The decision to this effect was taken in a meeting with a four-member USAID delegation led by Anne Arnes, Head of the USAID Mission to Pakistan which called on Federal Minister for Water and Power, Raja Pervez Ashraf here.

The delegation submitted that USAID's Empower Pakistan Energy Development Programme would consist of two activities including Empower Pakistan: Energy Policy (EPEP) programme which will assist Pakistan by providing two full-time technical experts supported by short-term technical assistance.

Technical assistance will also supply targeted feasibility studies in energy resource development, energy efficiency, transactions support and pricing.

The other programme is Empower Pakistan: Energy Efficiency and Capacity (EPEEC) to develop the private-sector market for energy efficiency by facilitating firms conducting energy audits and engage in energy efficient building and construction and conducting public information campaigns on energy efficiency.

The capacity building activities will assist human resources departments in power sector entities to develop and implement coordinated training programmes for staff, in part through twinning arrangements between US and Pakistani power sector entities, the minister was informed.

The delegation was apprised about the objectives of these programme aimed at improving institutional framework for power sector policy, planning and implementation. increase private sector investment in energy generation to help meet 5,00 MW energy deficit.

The programme would also integrate functioning of supplemental energy agencies and institutions through creation of a single power entity to help 3-5 distribution companies implement advanced Demand Side Management and power rationing techniques.

The minister lauded the action plan of the USAID delegation and thanked the delegation for this cooperation which would improve the energy system in the country.—APP