The US Government organised a study tour for professionals from Pakistan's government-owned power distribution companies (Discos) to Manila, and Cebu City Philippines. Exposure to modern commercial procedures and consumer outreach methods were intended to teach Pakistani energy professionals how to strengthen commercial operations and customer service.
"We work with public sector power distribution companies to improve their operations, reduce losses and ultimately to make sure that Pakistani citizens have a more reliable supply of electricity," said Craig VanDevelde, Chief of Party of USAID Power Distribution Program.
During their exchange visits to Manila, and Cebu City DISCO managers will have the opportunity to observe operations at several of the finest energy facilities. The program includes presentations, site visits and roundtable discussions to address specific topics related to communications, customer service, and commercial management at the distribution companies.
USAID, under its Power Distribution Program, has conducted eleven exchange programs to Turkey, South Africa, Australia, UAE, Thailand, Philippines and the United States. Approximately 12 to 14 DISCO managers were selected for each program and all nine DISCOS throughout the country including Lesco-Lahore, Mepco-Multan, Gepco- Gujranwala, Fesco - Faisalabad, Iesco-Islamabad, Pesco-Peshawar, Qesco-Quetta, Sepco-Sukkur and Hesco-Hyderabad. The five-year USAID Power Distribution Program was announced by former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in 2009.