20000401

ADB okays

$1m tech

assistance

to Nepra

RECORDER REPORT

ISLAMABAD: The Asian Development Bank has approved a grant of one million dollars for technical assistance to strengthen National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra)'s functions.

The grant is a part of strategic plan under which the power sector is proposed to be restructured/privatised to optimise its efficiency with minimum regulatory burden.

Nepra is expected to contribute $472,000 equivalent in Pak rupees to meet the local cost of the programme to be undertaken in June 2000 for completion by October 2000.

The objective of technical assistance is to strengthen Nepra's regulatory capacity for effective enhancement of the environment and social aspects embodied in the laws, and to regulate those aspects of utilities that remain a monopoly.

The assistance will help Nepra foster the industry's competitive structure besides ensuring the reliability of electricity supply.

The assistance will also ensure that the interests of the customers and investors are balanced through judicious decisions, based on transparent commercial principles.