The ADB financing for smart electricity meters enables the country to help the energy-intensive Central Asian nation use its power resources more efficiently.
ADB grant will fund the installation of modern, accurate, theft-proof digital meters for one million residential and small commercial power users in the cities of Bukhara, Jizzakh and Samarkand.
The meters will operate using an automated management system that will allow the utility company to reduce power losses and increase revenues.
The new meters employ a smart two-way communication technology that gives customers more frequent and detailed information on usage.
ADB Central and West Asia Department Energy Division director Rune Stroem said the advanced metering system will help to reduce commercial and tariff collection losses for residential and small business customers by ensuring that energy used is properly accounted for and billed.
Using smart metering, the utility company can remotely read meters, and detect commercial losses.
The loan, from ordinary capital resources, has a 25-year term with a grace period of five years and annual interest determined in accordance with ADB’s LIBOR-based lending facility.
Uzbekenergo will carry out the energy efficiency project which is due for completion in December 2014.
