DUSHANBE, September 8, 2009, Asia-Plus – To ensure introduction of reasonable electricity rationing and reduction in the technical and commercial losses in the electricity system, Barqi Tojik (Tajik electric systems) power holding is currently introducing a modern power loss calculation system meeting international standards, the Barqi Tojik head Sanat Rahimov said in an interview with Asia-Plus.
According to him, solution of this problem is very topical for Tajikistan. Rahimov noted that implementation of the Energy Loss reduction Project played an important role in solving this issue.
We will recall that the Energy Loss Reduction Project seeks to assist in reducing the commercial losses in the electricity and gas systems, and, to lay the foundation towards improving the financial viability of the electricity and gas utilities, in a socially, responsible manner. The Electricity Component supplies, and installs new electrical energy meters in the Dushanbe electricity network; and, designs, procures, and installs the Electricity Billing System. Technical Assistance (TA) is provided for project implementation, financial management auditing, and electricity exports promotion. Through the installation contracts, the Project will also finance the replacement of about 250 km of power supply cable rises in the multistory buildings, with new insulated cable of higher cross section for safety, as well as to support increased households consumption. Finally, the Technical Assistance component supports the implementation of electricity tariff policies; the implementation of Social Protection Policies regarding energy reforms; monitoring and evaluation of the Barqi Tajik performances; and, streamlining of the interaction between energy consumers, and the borrower”s agencies involved in the technical and economic regulation of energy supply.
According to Rahimov, because of complex relief many areas are located far away from power stations. “The situation is aggravated by extremely complex regime of electricity supplies, ageing infrastructure and overload in power systems during autumn-winter period,” said he, “Thus, in separate periods, technical losses in electricity systems in Khatlon’s Kulob zone reach 21 percent and in the Rasht Valley (eastern Tajikistan) and Khatlon’s Qurghon Teppa zone, technical losses reach some 20 percent.”
In 2008, average power losses in Tajikistan were estimated at 14 percent of the overall volume of electricity consumed, while over the first seven months of this year, the average power losses in the country have been reduced to 10.5 percent due to taken technical measures and fight against electricity theft, the Barqi Tojik head said.
