DUSHANBE, October 21, 2015, Asia-Plus – A new power substation has been introduced into operation in Khujand, the capital of Sughd province.

Tajik President Emomali Rahmon attended an official opening of the substation, named “Vahdat” (Unity), which took place on October 20.

According to the Tajik president’s official website, this substation is the largest power facility built in Khujand since Tajikistan’s independence.

Three European banks have reportedly allocated a total of 4.5 million Euros for construction of this substation.  In all, 22 million Euros are planned to be attracted for installation of electricity meters and rehabilitation of the Khujand power supply network, the website said.

The substation has been built in the framework of the Sughd Energy Loss Reduction Project.

The purpose of the Project is to assist in a) the supply and installation of electricity retail and grid meters, meter reading system, low voltage equipment meters with ancillary equipment and all necessary maintenance equipment to allow demand side management, () the reduction of distribution network losses, (c) the improvement of quality of supply and d) the increase of energy efficiency.  Total Project value is approximately €22 million (excluding VAT).

The project consists of the following main components: 1) supply and Installation of the meters, meter reading system equipment, auditable billing system in Khujand and surrounding municipalities (contract awarded and under implementation); 2) partial rehabilitation of power distribution network including supply and installation of equipment (contract awarded and under implementation); and 3) Project Implementation Unit Consultancy Services;

All procurement financed by the EBRD loan proceeds is undertaken in full compliance with the EBRD''s Procurement Policies and Rules.

The Project is implemented by the Project Implementation Unit with a subsidiary in Khujand and concerned subsidiaries of Barqi Tojik (the state-owned utility responsible for generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity in Tajikistan).