ISLAMABAD : The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has approved $195 million to support Pakistan in improving electricity distribution and implementing energy sector reforms to increase service quality for consumers.

The Electricity Dist­ribution Efficiency Impro­vement Project will help distribution companies improve operations to manage the electricity supply more efficiently and increase the reliability of the electrical grid.

The project focuses on cost-saving interventions to increase revenue collection and reduce losses, and on modernising operations by employing technology and information systems.

The project will also invest in climate-resilient infrastructure, particularly grid stations and transmission lines, which are critical to distribution and utility services.

“The long-term financial viability of the power sector depends on improving the efficiency of electricity distribution companies that deliver electricity to consumers,” said Najy Benhassine, World Bank Country Director for Pakistan.

“These efforts will improve the operational and financial performance of select distribution companies to improve their bankability and ultimately generate more private sector participation,” he said.

Published in Dawn, December 19th, 2021