Power Grid Improvement Project

closed

The objective of the Power Grid Improvement Project for Lao People's Democratic Republic is to help improve efficiency and reliability of power distribution in the selected load areas served by Electricite du Laos (EDL). There are four components to the project, the first component being smart metering, distribution improvement and distribution losses reduction. This component will support rehabilitation; improvement and automation of power distribution and metering infrastructure and equipment in the selected load areas to introduce smart metering improve the reliability of power supply and reduce distribution losses. The component is expected to introduce advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) technology and digital meters in the project area. The second component is the electric utility information system. This component has three sub-components that will support: (i) the development of an improved information system of EDL, including supply and installation of optical fiber communication links to support advanced metering and distribution automation; (ii) extension of the geographic information system to support power distribution operation and maintenance; and (iii) supply and installation of an updated corporate financial management information system. The third component is the Institutional capacity building and project implementation support. This component will provide technical and operational assistance to enhance EDL’s institutional capacity to utilize new technologies in addressing distribution losses and improving power grid efficiency, and to carry out the day-to-day management, monitoring and evaluation of project activities, including audits. Finally, the fourth component is the contingent emergency response. This component will provide immediate response to an eligible crisis or emergency, as needed. The objective of the contingent emergency response component with a provisional zero allocation is to allow for the reallocation of financing in accordance with the International Development Association (IDA) Immediate Response Mechanism in order to provide a rapid response to disaster or emergency events.