ISLAMABAD: World Bank Vice President for South Asia Martin Raiser on Friday expressed strong support for Pakistan’s proposal to install smart meters at distribution-level transformers, emphasizing that the move could bring transparency and efficiency to the country’s electricity sector.
In a meeting with government officials including Federal Minister for Power Awais Leghari and Federal Minister for Petroleum Dr Musaddiq Malik, Raiser highlighted the importance of data-driven policymaking and urged the timely utilization of World Bank funds allocated for energy sector reforms. “We support the installation of smart meters at the transformer level and are ready to work with stakeholders to develop detailed implementation plans,” Raiser said.
The World Bank is already financing multiple power sector initiatives in Pakistan and agreed to enhance collaboration to expedite ongoing projects.
Raiser said smart metering at the transformer level could help address inefficiencies, reduce electricity losses and ensure fair load management.
Leghari, while briefing the delegation, underscored the limitations of the current system, which relies on smart meters only at domestic and grid levels. “Without smart meters at the transformer level, entire feeders face uniform load shedding, punishing efficient consumers along with inefficient ones,” he said and informed the delegation about a seven per cent increase in industrial electricity consumption in December 2024 compared to the same period last year. The rise was attributed to the government’s “Bijli Sahulat” package which encourages surplus electricity auctions to industrial users.
Raiser commended Pakistan’s reforms aimed at transitioning to a competitive, multi-buyer, and multi-seller electricity market. Longer-duration electricity packages would give the private sector the certainty needed to plan their operations, he said.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to streamline energy sector reforms, including enhancing public-private partnerships in smart metering for distribution companies like Lesco and Mepco, which are set for privatization.
Both sides also agreed to strengthen technical collaboration to improve policy planning and implementation The World Bank delegation reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Pakistan’s energy reforms, which aim to boost efficiency, reduce costs and create a sustainable power sector.
Later, Musaddik, along with his team from the ministry, held a separate meeting with Raiser to review progress on key projects and strengthen collaboration on development initiatives. The meeting focused on advancing mutual priorities including energy security, infrastructure development and technological innovation. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to fostering transformative projects aimed at achieving sustainable economic growth and addressing regional challenges. Musaddik expressed gratitude for the World Bank’s continued support in critical sectors such as energy, water resources, infrastructure and social sectors. “Robust collaboration with international partners like the World Bank is pivotal to achieving our sustainable development goals, enhancing economic resilience and uplifting communities,” he said.
Raiser highlighted the WB dedication to supporting initiatives that drive progress in the region.
Discussions included updates on water sector projects such as the Dasu Hydropower Project and the Tarbela Extension Project, as well as strategies for improving infrastructure efficiency and bridging developmental gaps.
Musaddiq emphasized the potential of a capital investment management framework to enhance efficiency and streamline planning processes. Raiser described the framework as an excellent initiative for mutual benefit.
Participants included the secretary for Water Resources, senior ministry officials and World Bank representatives including Special Assistant to Vice President Kishan Abeygunawardana, Senior Energy Specialist Mohammad Anis, Program Leader Eva Liselotte Lescrauwaet, and Senior Operations Officer Kishan Abeygunawardana.
Meanwhile, Pakistan and the World Bank have agreed to expedite the implementation of Dasu Hydropower Project (DHP) planned to build a 242-metre tall dam that will support a 4,320 megawatts (MW) hydropower station.
The development was shared by World Bank’s Vice President for South Asia Martin Raiser in a post on X, after a meeting with Pakistan energy ministers, Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Laghari (Power) and Musadik Masood Malik (Petroleum).
“In my meeting with Musadik Malik we agreed to expedite the implementation of Dasu Hydropower Project,” he added.
The World Bank will dispatch Implementation Support and Progress Review Mission to monitor Dasu Hydropower Project-stage 1 from February 10- March 5, 2025 to assess the progress of the project. The 242m (794 ft) tall dam will support a 4,320MW hydropower station, and is being built in two 2,160MW stages. The plant is expected to start generating power in July 2027.
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