GSMA and Center for Intelligent Systems and Network Research (CISNR) have partnered with Jazz Pakistan to launch a pilot project reduce electricity line losses and power theft.
For the implementation of the project, it is reported that the government of Pakistan has also reached out to the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for financial assistance amounting to $900 million.
The pilot project is estimated to cost 200,000 pounds, will be launched in February. It is to facilitate 25,000 customers of Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO).
Moreover, Jazz has also been awarded the GSMA Mobile for Development Utilities Innovation Fund for their “Energy and Line Losses Reduction in Pakistan” idea in collaboration with CISNR and PESCO in order to solve the pervasive problem of electricity theft.
Ali Naseer, Chief Corporate and Enterprise Officer Jazz speaking on the occasion said, “Empowering customers digitally is no small feat and requires constant reinvention and innovation. This is another commitment to that philosophy to address ease for masses as they access important utility services.”
Reportedly, the solution utilizes Jazz’s extensive connectivity to monitor and manage distribution boxes, transformers, and grid feeders in order to create an efficient mechanism for dealing with points of failure, faulty lines, and theft locations.
Furthermore, the grant will be used to source and implement the devices all over specific subdivisions of PESCO. CISNR will be providing the devices and the infrastructure will be hosted by Jazz along with providing connectivity.
The estimated time for the completion of the project is said to be six months. However, it could take a year before it is implemented all over the country. Estimates by the organizations show that the project is to reduce PESCOS’s 54 percent losses to 10 percent and create jobs for about 10,000 engineers.
