Acceptance of Commission for Project to Provide Technical Support for the Strengthening of Governance in the Laotian Power Sector

Chubu Electric Power has today been commissioned by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to conduct a project that will provide technical support for the strengthening of governance in the Laotian power sector, in cooperation with J-POWER.

The project is scheduled to last about 13 months, from May 2012 until June 2013, with the objective of supporting the strengthening of governance in the electric power sector in Laos(*1) We will hereafter be sending staff to Laos to proceed with the project by providing technical support for the nation's electric power sector.

Chubu Electric Power is presently engaged in a project for the enhancement of business management capacity in the Laotian power sector, and will make use of this experience in carrying out its new project in Laos, seeking to make an international contribution by supporting the development of human resources.

[Outline of project]

(1) Project area: Throughout Laos

(2) Project period: May 2012 - June 2013 (approx. 13 months)

(3) Project overview

• Analysis of problems in existing PDP(*2) and modification of project details
• Formulation of proposals for improvement of power facility development mechanisms, including IPP(*3)
• Enhancement of organizational management and formulation of plans for development of human resources

(4) Project background

The electric power sector in Laos has an important role in the socio-economic development of the country. As such, it is planning and carrying out numerous projects, including development of power sources and building transmission and distribution networks.

However, due to a rapid increase in domestic demand and a lack of capacity in related organizations, there are considered to be significant problems with regard to the reliability of existing PDP. Strengthening governance in power development as a whole, including promoting competition in the formulation of reliable and comprehensive power development plans and the development of power facilities and the implementation of fair and transparent management processes, is a pressing issue for the future.

(*1)Laotian power sector: Refers to the Energy Policy Planning Bureau and the Energy Business Bureau of the Ministry of Energy and Mines, which are responsible for power-related administration, and Electricite du Laos and other power-related institutions.

(*2)PDP: National Power Development Plans

(*3)IPP: Independent power producers