USAID Energy Policy Program: Secure Meters Reduce Energy Costs

The program aimed to strengthen the Secured Metering System (SMS) to ensure fair and dispute-free trading activities for buying and selling power. The initiative involved the provision of SMS equipment, including metering panels and data communication equipment, to the National Transmission and Dispatch Company (NTDC) and Distribution Companies (DISCOs). The equipment, valued at $500,000, was installed at various locations across Pakistan, including Nandi Pur Plant and WAPDA Town 220 kV Grid Station. Training was provided to operators on site at each location to ensure effective use of the equipment. The proposed extension of the SMS will aid both NTDC and DISCOs in accurate load forecasting, enabling them to avoid overloading transformer and transmission lines and enhance the life of equipment. The data available through the SMS archiving will enable more accurate forecasting than the current conditions allow. NTDC and DISCOs will now accurately compare their losses against industry benchmarks and be able to identify areas where theft and losses occur. The data will also help predict future load requirements and plan generation capacity in a systematic way. The initiative is expected to contribute to the efficient management of commercial and operational responsibilities of institutions in Pakistan. The implementation of the Secure Meters Reduce Energy Costs initiative began in November 2013 and was completed in November 2014. The program was funded by the USAID Energy Policy Program, which provided 2 storage area networks, 4 servers, 45 LCDs, and 5 laptops to NTDC and DISCOs. The equipment was set up in 10 cities across Pakistan, including Quetta, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Multan, Faisalabad, Lahore, Gujranwala, Islamabad, and Peshawar. The initiative is a critical step towards ensuring the efficient management of power trading activities in Pakistan. The provision of accurate and secure metering systems will enable NTDC and DISCOs to manage their commercial and operational responsibilities effectively, contributing to the overall efficiency of the power sector in the country.