Bangladesh: Electricity Distribution Modernization (Rajshahi-Rangpur Divisions) Project

proposed

Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board (BREB), one of the major energy sector state-owned entities in Bangladesh, is responsible for extending electricity distribution services to the rural areas of the country. The entity, through its 80 “Palli Bidyut Samities” (PBSs) (i.e., rural electricity clusters) organized under country's eight divisions, collectively serves nearly 75 percent of the country's electricity consumers. Out of 80 PBSs, Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions have 21 PBSs that provide services to around 8.8 million consumers (including industrial and commercial users). In 2022, Government of Bangladesh (GoB) announced universal access to electricity in the country. Since then, electricity demand for both domestic and industrial sectors is on the rise. Considering the rapid socio-economic and industrial development associated with the availability of electricity, BREB anticipates an increase in consumer demand for reliable electricity supply in Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions. In order to (i) cater to the expected additional demand, (ii) decongest the network, and (iii) reduce the distribution losses, BREB has initiated this project to increase the capacity and modernize the distribution network in Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions. The following activities are planned in the project scope: Component A: Installation of 84 new and augmentation of 32 existing 33/11 kilovolt (kV) substations with a total capacity of approximately 1,385 megavolt-amperes (MVA); Component B: Construction and modernization of around 19,500 kilometers (km) of 33/11 kV distribution lines; and Component C: Installation of six (6) River Crossing Towers, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) System, and Fault Locators in certain areas