ISLAMABAD: The power distribution companies’ (Discos) revenues rose by more than $400 million during 2010-15 and they saved over 200MW, enough to supply power to three million people.

These figures were released on Thursday at the completion of the five-year US government-funded project for power distribution programme. The five-year, $218 million project was a part of the US government’s commitment to support Pakistan to improve the energy sector.

The programme introduced several innovative technologies to Pakistan, such as smarter meters and anti-theft cables which help distribution companies reduce losses and increase revenues.

To mark the conclusion of the programme, US Mission to Pakistan’s Coordinator for Econ­omic and Development Assistance, Leon Waskin stated that the US government remains committed to working with Pakistan towards a continuous, stable energy supply and a brighter, more prosperous future. National Electric Power Regulatory Authority Chairman Tariq Saddozai was present at the ceremony to mark completion of the project.

From 2010 to 2015, the programme trained more than 32,000 energy sector specialists, installed state-of-the-art systems to monitor and control of power flow, improved consumer billing systems, and introduced international best practices.

Published in Dawn, August 28th, 2015

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