EDL has huge outlay to reduce power cuts
EDL has huge outlay to reduce power cuts
Electricite du Laos (EDL) spent more than 20.8 billion kip last year on the maintenance, upgrade and installation of transformers and transmission lines to reduce power cuts and ensure a stable supply of electricity in Vientiane.
But the amount spent was only 77.11 percent of the 27 billion kip allocated for the overall upkeep of the network in 2014, according to a report from EDL's Vientiane Power Distribution Department on Tuesday.
The figure of 27 billion kip includes 20 billion kip for the upgrade of transmission lines while the remaining 7 billion kip was to be used for transformer installation, the report noted.
“We were unable to spend the full amount allocated in the plan because the maintenance, upgrade and installation of transformers and transmission lines exceeded our capacity,” Deputy Director of EDL's Vientiane Power Distribution Department, Mr Sakoth Latthida, said yesterday.
“We now have to continue our work and complete everything stipulated in last year's plan by the end of next month,” Mr Sakoth said.
“We must complete at least 90 percent of the work and the rest will be carried over and included in the plan for 2015.”
The departmen t reported that it spent more than 18.33 billion kip on transmission line improvements in Vientiane in 2013, including about 3.04 billion kip on transformers and 15.28 billion kip on transmission lines.
Improvements undertaken last year included scheduled upgrades in the districts of Xaythany, Hadxaifong, Pakngum, Naxaithong and Sangthong.
A total of 231 transformers were scheduled to be installed or replaced last year including 143 that were slated for installation and another 88 transformers that were to replace old or outdated ones.
But the report noted the department had installed or replaced only 212 transformers. This figure included the in stallation of 106 new transformers and the replacement of 106 others. Small capacity transformers were replaced with larger capacity units.
Some areas of the city still face power shortages due to rapid development and the surge in demand.
“We cannot put an end to the shortages because of the pace of growth. Our work on the maintenance, upgrade and installation of transformers and transmission lines will continue each year,” Mr Sakoth said.
The upgrade of the power grid and the installation of transformers is taking place in line with EDL's annual and long term plans.
Electricity consumption in Vientiane is rising by 10 to 15 percent annually, and EDL says this rate could increase to 20 percent.
The surge in consumption is attributed to the expansion of the city, new residential and commercial developments, population growth and the greater use of electronic equipment.
These factors have caused transmission lines and transformers to experience periodic overloads, which is one of the main causes of transformer explosions and blackouts.
EDL's staff are on standby 24 hours, ready to repair or install new transformers and transmission lines in the event of a power failure.
