ISLAMABAD: The United States Agency of International Development (USAID), in its continuing efforts to assist the power distribution companies (DISCOs) in loss reductions and revenue enhancements, is launching an Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) project for the high loss DISCOs of Pakistan.
The USAID Power Distribution Programme has finalized all the preparations for including manufacture of the AMR meters, with installation for the eight month project planned to begin in January 2013.
"This project will provide highly accurate electronic meter readings with very little human intervention, using computer technology to transmit readings via GSM/GPRS and Radio Frequency and will demonstrate how the application of this technology can result in improved revenue and reduced losses and theft for the DISCOs," said Dick Dumford, Chief Technical Advisor of USAID's Power Distribution Programme.
"The project's long-term objectives are to work with the DISCOs to establish the viability and sustainability of this technology to insure reliable and accurate billing for all customers. This USAID sponsored project is the first large application of AMR technology to be carried out in Pakistan, although it is very much used in other countries," Mr. Dumford stated.
"This is one of a group of engineering projects being demonstrated in partnership with the Government of Pakistan's DISCOs. Other projects include the establishment of Geographical Information Systems and highly accurate computer analysis of the DISCO power systems and extensive training on their effective use. These systems will identify reliability improvement needs and determine the most economical methods to implement them. Distribution lines and meter installations will be extensively reworked under the programme, and power factor improvements to reduce technical losses, increase revenues, reduce demand and improve voltage are being carried out. The Programme will also introduce new equipment specifically designed to reduce power outage frequency and duration.
Besides the AMR, smart metering and other hardware projects, the USAID Power Distribution Programme also provided trainings to DISCOs in strategic planning and change management, management development, planning and engineering, customer information system, lineman safety and skill enhancement, business planning and financial modelling, communications and customer outreach, gender equity and in methods of developing and training personnel.
The four and a half year USAID Power Distribution Programme was announced by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in 2009 as among the United States' efforts to support the Government of Pakistan in reforming the power sector to mitigate the current energy crisis.
The Programme is helping government-owned electric power distribution companies improve their commercial performance in reducing losses, increasing revenues and improving customer services through the introduction of newtechnology and improved work practices.
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