ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN-- A joint statement of collaboration was signed between the United States Government and the Ministry of Finance of the Government of Pakistan. The signing marked the announcement of the United States Agency for International Development's 3-year, $24 million Energy Efficiency and Capacity Building project, according to a U.S. Embassy announcement today.

Energy conservation efforts are expanding in Pakistan, resulting in the promotion of energy audits for commercial enterprises, consumer awareness campaigns to highlight the importance of efficiency in household appliances, the introduction of low-energy applications in new building construction, and renewed attention to power losses between transformers and household connections. Recurring power shortages have made energy conservation increasingly important. Some estimates indicate that 1,500 megawatts per year could be saved with an effective national campaign.

The Energy Efficiency and Capacity Building project will improve demand-side management practices in Pakistan's distribution companies; implement energy efficiency programs; support energy service companies working with Pakistani industries; and increase awareness of energy efficient practices among business and residential users. The project will also support the improvement of human resource management for the energy sector through coordinated training programs and energy partnerships.

For more information about USAID programs, please visit our website at www.usaid.gov.