Low-tension capacitors: New capacitors to make tubewells efficient

Objective of programme is to work with government-owned distribution companies (DISCOs) to improve their performance

ISLAMABAD:

Low-tension capacitors being installed in irrigation tubewells will help reduce electricity consumption. The capacitors are being installed by the USAID’s power distribution programme (PDP) in collaboration with the Islamabad Electric Supply Company.

The main objective of the programme is to work with government-owned distribution companies (DISCOs) to improve their performance in terms of reduction in technical losses and improvement in both revenues and customer services, to bring them to the level of well-run utilities in progressive countries.

PDP Communications Director Ziaur Rehman said the project, initiated in 2010, will be completed in 2015 at a cost of Rs60 million. Capacitors were installed in Chakwal district to be followed by Faisalabad and Multan.

“Installation of over 7,000 capacitors on irrigation tube wells will reduce the power demand and improve voltage,” said Dick Dumford, the programme’s chief technical adviser. Our plan is to replicate capacitors’ installation at other DISCOs.”

Published in The Express Tribune, August 2^nd, 2012.