Islamabad, June 9, 2015 – U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan Richard Olson inaugurated a U.S.-government funded information technology lab at the Multan Electric Power Company (MEPCO) Regional Training Center.  The information technology lab will train employees in the latest energy sector technology.  Since 2013, MEPCO, with the support of the United States, has adopted new technology that significantly improves customer service and operational efficiency.

 

“The United States remains committed to working with Pakistan towards the day that Pakistan will have a continuous and stable energy supply which is vital to creating a brighter, more prosperous Pakistan,” said Ambassador Olson.

 

Through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Power Distribution Program support, MEPCO has overhauled its power flow management system, replaced 252 industrial motors to reduce energy losses incurred by the MEPCO’s largest consumers, and automated all office functions and introduced a geographic information system.  MEPCO is also updating equipment that will significantly reduce power lost in the distribution process.

 

Additionally, the United States has assisted MEPCO in the automation of consumer billing systems by upgrading over 65,000 meters.  Today, almost 600,000 MEPCO consumers are receiving their power bills through a new, state-of-the-art system.  To date, these updates have added $45 million to MEPCO’s net income.  These savings will rise as the company continues to modernize, ultimately benefiting MEPCO’s customers.

 

USAID’s Power Distribution Program is a five-year initiative, launched in 2010 to strengthen operations of the government-owned power distribution companies.  The program’s ultimate goal is to eliminate the need for subsidies in the power sector and improve the supply of electricity to consumers.

 

For more information on USAID’s energy programs in Pakistan, please visit: http://www.usaid.gov/pakistan/energy