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The World Bank on June 1 approved a Power Distribution Improvement Project to increase the capacity and efficiency of the Lao PDR’s domestic electricity grid, and to strengthen financial management at the state electricity company.
The state electricity company, Electricité du Laos (EDL), has lacked resources for system maintenance and upgrades, leaving it unable to invest in the equipment and systems needed to address growing demand, deteriorating infrastructure, and the seasonal imbalance in Laos’ electricity supply.
“Financial losses sustained in the power sector over the years have contributed to economic instability and national debt,” said World Bank Country Manager for the Lao PDR Alex Kremer. “This project will help EDL face two immediate and connected challenges: meeting current demand for power and improving its financial situation.”
The project will support investments that will upgrade EDL’s substations to increase power flow, thereby increasing revenue and reducing losses. The high rate of returns expected from this investment will improve EDL’s financial situation and improve its quality of service. Investments will also be made in monitoring and protection systems to improve the robustness of grid operations.
To strengthen EDL’s financial management, corporate information technology upgrades will integrate internal systems to provide more complete data, supporting the utility’s management of operations and finances. These enhancements will speed up the preparation of financial statements and audits, improving the transparency of financial data and information for stakeholders.
Mark Felsenthal
Aiden Glendinning
About The World Bank
The World Bank Group has a bold vision: to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. In more than 100 countries, the World Bank Group provides financing, advice, and innovative solutions that improve lives by creating jobs, strengthening economic growth, and confronting the most urgent global challenges. For more information, please visit www.worldbank.org, www.miga.org, and www.ifc.org.
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