U.S., Pakistan Collaborate on $24 Million Energy Project

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, April 7 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A joint statement of
collaboration was signed between the United States Government and the Ministry
of Finance of the Government of Pakistan. The signing marked the announcement
of the United States Agency for International Development's 3-year, $24
million Energy Efficiency and Capacity Building project, according to a U.S.
Embassy announcement today.

Energy conservation efforts are expanding in Pakistan, resulting in the
promotion of energy audits for commercial enterprises, consumer awareness
campaigns to highlight the importance of efficiency in household appliances,
the introduction of low-energy applications in new building construction, and
renewed attention to power losses between transformers and household
connections. Recurring power shortages have made energy conservation
increasingly important. Some estimates indicate that 1,500 megawatts per year
could be saved with an effective national campaign.

The Energy Efficiency and Capacity Building project will improve demand-side
management practices in Pakistan's distribution companies; implement energy
efficiency programs; support energy service companies working with Pakistani
industries; and increase awareness of energy efficient practices among
business and residential users. The project will also support the improvement
of human resource management for the energy sector through coordinated
training programs and energy partnerships.

For more information about USAID programs, please visit our website at
www.usaid.gov.

The American people, through the U.S. Agency for International Development,
have provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide for nearly 50
years.

Public Information: 202-712-4810

SOURCE U.S. Agency for International Development

USAID Press Office, +1-202-712-4320