U.S. Helps Electric Distribution Companies Reduce Losses, Increase Power Supply

Islamabad, January 9, 2012

For Immediate Release
005/2012

Contact: Mark Stroh,
Spokesperson
0308-555-0591

All nine of Pakistan’s government-owned Power Distribution Companies (DISCOs) signed agreements today with the U.S. government to collaborate on improving energy supply to consumers. Under this program, the United States will help DISCOs generate more revenue to pay for energy production, reduce losses in power distribution from the producer to the consumer, and make the power supply more reliable.

“Every customer wants a reliable and sufficient power supply. By improving the collection of energy bills, DISCOs will have more money to pay for power generation, thus reducing load- shedding in the country. Similarly, reduced losses will translate to more reliable power supply and fewer unscheduled outages,” said John Morgan, Director of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Energy Office, speaking at the signing ceremony.

Under the signed collaboration agreements, a USAID $60 million Power Distribution Program will train thousands of DISCO specialists to improve the maintenance of the distribution lines, collection of bills, customer services, management, and other aspects of DISCO operations. USAID will also help DISCOs modernize equipment, provide expert consultations, and support the introduction of various international best practices to ensure a more reliable supply of power to consumers. This assistance is yet another example of the long-term U.S. commitment to support Pakistan’s key priorities.

In addition to improved energy distribution, USAID is also helping the Government of Pakistan to restore and increase its energy production capacity, and to introduce long-term energy sector reforms.

For more press releases and information on Pakistan – U.S. relations, please visit our Website: http://islamabad.usembassy.gov