Environmental Documentation Form: Task 10 - Design & Implement Performance Improvements at Western Electricity Distribution Companies

The project focuses on providing focused technical assistance to PESCO (Peshawar Electric Supply Company) and TESCO (Tribal Electric Supply Company) to address the challenges faced by these companies, including high technical transmission and distribution (T&D) losses, collection losses, and financial mismanagement. The project's activities are designed to be technology-driven and are aligned with the US government's strategy to support long-term equitable economic growth and social development in the western border areas. The tasks proposed under this project include implementing a model sub-division in PESCO, setting up a planning and engineering department in TESCO, and providing technical assistance to secure financing for PESCO. The implementation of these tasks is expected to have a positive impact on the economy of Pakistan, particularly in the western border areas. The project's interventions are designed to reduce losses, improve energy accounting, and enhance asset performance management, process re-engineering, safety, and customer service. The project's activities are expected to be scaled up later by the DISCOs utilizing their own resources. The project's geographic focus is on the western border areas of Pakistan, specifically in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Tribal areas. The project's implementation start date is August 2017, and the end date is April 2021. The project's budget is approximately USD 2.5 million. The project's environmental impact assessment has identified potential environmental and health impacts associated with the installation of Advance Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and Aerial Bundle Cable (ABC). However, the project's Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan (EMMP) has been developed to mitigate these impacts and ensure that the project is implemented in an environmentally responsible manner. The project's implementation is being carried out in close consultation with PESCO and TESCO, and the project's activities are expected to be completed by the end of April 2021. The project's success will be evaluated based on the impact of the project's interventions on the economy of Pakistan, particularly in the western border areas.