NRECA International, Ltd. to Provide Technical Assistance to Rural Electrification Program in Bangladesh
(NRECA International, September 22, 2008)

NRECA International, Ltd. (NRECA International) recently signed a contract with the International Resources Group (IRG) to provide technical advisory services to the Government of Bangladesh as part of USAID’s “Improved Capacity for Energy Access (ICEA)” program under the Energy II Indefinite Quantity Contract (IQC).   The contract, which is valued at $3.2 million dollars, will commence in the fall of 2008 and continue until 2012.

NRECA International and IRG will provide technical advisory and assistance services to the Government of Bangladesh (GOB), and relevant energy agencies, to strengthen regulatory and operational deficiencies in the power sector in order to improve its governance and performance. The ICEA consists of two major components, which include: (i) promotion of self-reliance of rural electric cooperatives (referred to in Bangla as Palli Bidyuit Samitys or PBSs); and (ii) strengthening the regulatory regime of the power sector.

For the past 30 years, USAID has supported the GOB in the design and implementation of the country’s rural electrification program, which now includes 70 PBSs that provide electricity to over 45 million people in rural Bangladesh.  Bangladesh’s PBSs have evolved into sophisticated utilities, demonstrating superior operational efficiency and proven financial results. The USAID energy program in Bangladesh strengthens key institutions in the energy sector by providing technical assistance, training, and other support to increase institutional capacity through reforms in the gas and power sector; and improves and expands rural power sector infrastructure and performance to alleviate poverty in rural areas.

NRECA International has been the Rural Electrification Board’s (REB) principal technical advisor since the inception of the program. Through ongoing funding from the USAID, NRECA International has supported the REB in establishing and maintaining design, construction, and operating standards, as well as in defining a benchmarking program to assure management and operating practices are monitored and maintained at acceptable levels. NRECA International has also provided technical guidance on equipment and technology, and assisted in the design and implementation of innovative power supply strategies and project implementation.