U.S. Consul General Lahore, Zachary Harkenrider, today inaugurated the USAID-funded Design Department and Real Time Power System Simulator (RTPSS) at the National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC), WAPDA House Lahore. The upgraded capability of the Design Department will translate into enhanced capacity, improved work quality, and increased efficiency that will result in quicker delivery of assignments, thereby reducing the need for continued outsourcing.
“We have equipped the Design Department and the Planning Department of NTDC with state-of-the-art technology including computers, dedicated software, and a Real-Time Power System Simulator—all designed to boost NTDC’s overall performance,” remarked Consul General Harkenrider.
The USAID Energy Policy Program provided software and hardware for the design upgrades, and provided training to 68 NTDC Design Department Managers, Deputy Managers, and Assistant Managers, including 17 females. Following the inauguration ceremony, the U.S. Consul General Lahore distributed certificates to the trainees.
Use of the Real Time Power System Simulator will enable simulation of the operation of both NTDC’s DC and AC transmission systems to identify system weaknesses and needed upgrades and to improve system dispatch. NTDC complemented the provision of hardware by initiating training for the Design Department employees in specialized engineering and energy software systems, including Microsoft Project, Bentley, ArcGIS, Powerline and AutoCAD. USAID’s Energy Policy Program aims to improve transmission capacities in Pakistan’s power sector.
NTDC’s Design Department acts as an in-house service provider, rendering specialized engineering services and technical assistance to various entities such as the Generation companies, NTDC itself, and the nine Distribution Companies. NTDC established the Design Department after restructuring of the Power Wing of the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA).
The Energy Policy Program is a multi-year, USAID-funded initiative to increase power generation, and improve transmission capacity and reliability. The program works with selected energy enterprises to assist the Government of Pakistan’s energy sector reform efforts, and supports the United States Government and the Government of Pakistan in strengthening the power sector.
