Myanmar's power distribution network to improve with ADB loan

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has recently provided a loan of 60 million U.S.Menstrual Cup dollars for improving Myanmar's power distribution network with an aims to ensure better access to electricity by some 480,000 households in four regions - Yangon, Mandalay, Sagaing and Magway.An ADB expert said that repairing and strengthening existing electricity infrastructure will help reduce system loss.According to the expert, technical and non-technical loss from Myanmar's aging power distribution system before electricity reached subscribers were as high as 18.2 percent in 2012.The ADB loan will fund rehabilitation work for more efficient electricity transmission, which covers upgrading of some sub- stations, replacing distribution lines and transformers and upgrading to digital revenue meters.The project will cut distribution loss by 4 percent and subsequently allow large industries and small and medium enterprises to expand their services.Under the soft loan agreement, the pay-back period is 24 years (2022-2045), including an 8-year grace period, with an interest rate of 1 percent in the grace period and 1.5 percent in the pay- back period.The ADB pledged to assist Myanmar's infrastructural development in terms of technology, finance, communication and sustainable energy during ADB President Haruhiko Kurodamade's visit to Myanmar in February this year.Vintage faucets

A survey showed Myanmar's electrification ratio grew from 16 percent in 2006 to 28 percent in 2012 with Yangon city having the highest ratio of 72 percent, followed by Nay Pyi Taw at 65 percent and Mandalay at 35 percent.The survey revealed that only about one in five rural households has access to electricity grid.In addition to updating Myanmar's electricity transmission and preventing technical loss,Lamp shade the ADB is playing a coordination role between Myanmar ministries concerned for the country's energy management, assisting in preparing Myanmar's energy policy, amending the electricity law, designating the national transmission and distribution code and establishing electric equipment standard.Moreover, a 20-year energy master plan is being worked out with the help of the bank, which includes promoting off-grid rural energy access and helping the government set up private-public partnership for power system expansion.Myanmar was able to settle 512 million dollars' debt in January this year owed to the ADB.