ADB $48m for Assam Power
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government has signed a US$48 million loan to help Assam state continue its drive to improve access to efficient and reliable power.
This is the second tranche loan of the US$300 million multi tranche financing facility for the Assam Power Sector Investment Program that was approved by the ADB Board in July 2014.
It was signed in New Delhi on Nov 7, 2016.
The project will help Assam to enhance capacity and efficiency of its power distribution system to improve electricity service to end users. The first tranche loan of $50 million was signed in February 2015.
“Increased access to reliable and modern power supply for remote communities can help meet growing demand. This loan will help strengthen the state’s distribution system, improve energy efficiency and reduce technical and commercial losses,” said M. Teresa Kho, Country Director of ADB’s India Resident Mission, after signing the loan agreement.
“Given that a sustainable power supply is critical for facilitating growth and creating employment opportunities, this project will help Assam attract investment and tap its economic potential, in addition to reducing power outages,” added Raj Kumar, Joint Secretary (Multilateral Institutions) in the Ministry of Finance.
The project, which is expected to be completed by December 2019, will help APDCL add an additional substation capacity, expand and improve medium voltage network, reduce system losses by 3% and enhance energy efficiency through renovation and modernization of existing 33/11 kV substations.
Part of the loan will be used to strengthen institutional capacity of APDCL through setting up independent meter testing laboratories, load dispatch centers and installing centralized uniform billing system to 1.2 million customers.
The loan of US$48 million from ADB’s ordinary capital resources makes up to 80% of the total project cost of almost US$60 million, with the Government of Assam providing counterpart finance of US$12 million.
The loan has a 25-year term, including a five-year grace period with an annual interest rate determined in accordance with ADB’s LIBOR-based lending facility. fii-news.com
