AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Peshawar, November 13, 2012 (PPI-OT): As part of its commitment to help alleviate the energy problem in Pakistan, the United States will replace 335 old water pumps in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with modern pumps that will boost energy efficiency by up to 65 percent, improve the city water supply, and reduce power consumption by nearly three megawatts.
The old pumps waste large amounts of power because they operate at only 28 – 40% efficiency. That inefficiency leads to inflated electricity bills and a financial burden for government power companies and their customers.
Today, U.S Consul General Robert Reed, along with Bashir Ahmed Bilor, Senior Minister of the Local Government and Rural Development Department, launched this USAID initiative at the first pump replacement site. “Following in the footsteps of similar successful programs in Islamabad and Karachi, this activity is a continuation of USAID’s close collaboration with the KP Government to bring better services to the citizens of KP,” said Consul General Reed.
Part of USAID’s Power Distribution Program, this initiative will decrease the Local Government and Rural Development Department’s financial burden by an estimated $740,000 each year, provide a continuous supply of clean water to surrounding communities, and help reduce the Peshawar Electric Supply Company’s circular debt burden. In total, USAID assists nine power distribution companies across Pakistan, helping them improve their performance by reducing power losses, increasing revenues, and improving customer services.
This project to replace water pumps is just one part of a comprehensive U.S. energy assistance program which includes renovating the power plant at the Tarbela Dam, upgrading the Guddu, Jamshoro, and Muzafaragarh power plants, and completing the construction of the new Satpara and Gomal Zam dams. Together, these large-scale energy projects will add 900 megawatts to the power grid by 2013 — enough power to supply electricity to an estimated two million households.
For more information, contact:
Public Affairs Section
Embassy of the United States of America
Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna 5
Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +9251-208 0000
Fax: +9251-227 8607
E-mail: webmasterisb@state.gov