ADB Increases Support for Power Distribution in Bangladesh

Manila: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $200 million loan as additional financing to the ongoing Bangladesh Power System Enhancement and Efficiency Improvement Project to further improve electricity distribution network in rural areas in the Khulna division.

Improvement of power distribution networks in rural areas and strengthening the capacity of the Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board (BREB) will ensure safe, efficient, and productive electricity usage in BREB service areas. Providing reliable electricity supply in rural areas, including Khulna division, will help improve household incomes by reducing expenses on kerosene for cooking and lighting and provide opportunities for energy-based economic activities.

“Reliable and sustainable electricity distribution and service is an important aspect to Bangladesh’s growth and development, as well as improving the quality of life of its people,” said ADB Principal Energy Specialist for South Asia Teruhisa Oi. “This additional support will expand the coverage of our project but more importantly provide electricity to one of the poorest divisions in the country and significantly contribute to the government’s goal of providing its people 100% access to power by 2021.”

ADB’s additional financing will install an additional 990 kilometers (km) of 33 kilovolt (kV) and 3,000 km of 11 kV below distribution lines and facilities, including 51 units of 33 kV/11 kV substations in rural areas in Khulna division. This will provide 150,000 rural households access to electricity. It will finance the formulation of a gender equality strategy for the BREB and improve its offices to accommodate the needs of the elderly, women, children, and differently abled people.

ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members—49 from the region.