US consul general inaugurates smart lab at Wapda house

LAHORE: US Consul General Colleen Crenwelge on Wednesday inaugurated a state-of-the-art Smart Grid Integration Testing Lab at WAPDA House. The lab, which is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), will allow the Pakistan Information Technology Company (PITC) to monitor electricity consumption through smart meters and a single software system, which will improve access to reliable, affordable electricity for everyone.

“The new lab will help PITC and distribution companies monitor consumers’ real-time electricity needs, ensure electricity is delivered where and when it is needed, and guarantee that electricity bills are accurate and fair,” Consul General Crenwelge said.

“Customers should see better service and cheaper electricity in the longer run,” she added.

The lab includes new computer equipment and electricity metering software. The system utilizes data from smart meters installed at homes and businesses across Pakistan. Smart meters collect more accurate information than traditional meters and allow distribution companies to satisfy customers’ real-time electricity demands, increase transparency and accuracy in the billing process, and reduce electricity theft and opportunities for graft.

Additional Secretary, Ministry of Energy (Power Division),  Munir Azam said, “This solution will facilitate distribution companies’ cost-effective deployment of smart meters, increase their market access, and help mobilize investment.”

The United States and Pakistan have partnered since the 1960s to improve access to reliable, affordable electricity in Pakistan. USAID provides technical and financial assistance to streamline operations at electricity distribution companies, ramp up private investment in the energy sector, and help the Pakistani government plan for future needs.