By Ijaz Kakakhel

The government plans to install 30,000 advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) meters in the Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO) network to improve distribution efficiency, strengthen billing accuracy and curb electricity theft. The initiative is part of the US$50.65 million Electricity Distribution Efficiency Improvement Project (EDEIP).

According to project documents available with Wealth Pakistan, a complete AMI facility will be established for 30,000 meters in Hyderabad and Laar circles. The component has an estimated cost of Rs476.8 million, equivalent to US$2.98 million.

The introduction of AMI-based metering is expected to reduce dependence on manual meter readings and provide utilities with more accurate and timely consumption data. The system can also strengthen monitoring of abnormal consumption patterns and meter tampering, supporting HESCO's efforts to reduce commercial losses and electricity theft.

Beyond metering reforms, the project includes substantial investment in grid stations, transmission infrastructure, operational and maintenance equipment, and institutional capacity building.

Under the proposed scope of work, a 132kV GIS grid station at River Bund, with a capacity of 2x40 MVA, is estimated to cost Rs1.138 billion, or US$7.11 million. A 132kV AIS grid station of the same capacity at Rashidabad will cost an estimated Rs872 million, equivalent to US$5.45 million.

The plan also includes conversion of Khipro grid station from 66kV to 132kV, along with its feeding transmission line, at an estimated cost of Rs1.802 billion, or US$11.26 million.

An additional 1x40 MVA power transformer is proposed for Tando Adam, costing Rs264 million, while augmentation of the power transformer at Hala-T2 is estimated at Rs222.4 million.

Another important component involves 28 kilometers of reconductoring with High Temperature Low Sag (HTLS) technology, covering sections of Jamshoro-Qasimabad-Hala Road and Jamshoro-Rajputana-Hala Road network. The work has an estimated cost of Rs424 million, or US$2.65 million, and is aimed at strengthening electricity transmission capacity.

The project also provides Rs1.693 billion (US$10.58 million) to improve HESCO's operation and maintenance (O&M) capacity through the procurement of power transformers, circuit breakers, CT/PT equipment, lightning arresters, 11kV switchgear, 132kV transmission-line material, testing sets, crane-mounted loaders, lifters, and vehicles.

The program also includes a proposed SCADA system covering 80 grid stations, subject to completion of feasibility study and necessary approvals.

The total project cost stands at Rs8.104 billion, equivalent to US$50.65 million. Of this, the proposed IBRD loan amounts to Rs7.318 billion, or US$45.74 million, including financing costs, while HESCO's counterpart contribution is estimated at Rs785.6 million, or US$4.91 million.

Credit: INP-WealthPk