EPP QUARTERLY REPORT Oct - Dec 2011

The project provides monitoring and support to six energy projects, including repair and maintenance projects for GENCOs and multipurpose dam completion projects. These projects aim to add over 888 MW to Pakistan's generation capacity. As of December 2011, a total of 363 MW have been added to the grid. EPP is also providing technical support for selecting new generation and transmission projects, including importing power from Central Asia through Afghanistan. The project is staffed by 85% Pakistani and 15% international staff, with a total USAID funding of $191.06 million. The EPP is working on several initiatives, including drafting environmental compliance reports for thermal projects, developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the National Power Control Center (NPCC), and creating a contingency plan for NPCC's operations. Additionally, the project is developing a policy paper on public-private partnerships and analyzing the overall situation with respect to subsidies in the power sector. The project has also made significant progress in the following areas: - 6 engineers completed a 4-week training course on operations and maintenance of hydel plants at Ateliers Hydro, Switzerland. - Revised payment approvals were made for the Gomal Zam and Satpara Dam projects. - Induction training manuals are being developed for NPCC's new recruits and existing operators. - A draft business plan for the National Transmission and Dispatch Company (NTDC) was shared with NTDC management for review and comments. The EPP is also working on several other initiatives, including developing a curriculum on transmission system modeling with NTDC, designing a strategy for internships in the energy sector, and providing support to the planning commission in preparing various documents, including ECC summaries, a brief on low BTU gas, and a proposal on a joint venture gas pipeline.