A research study submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Engineering, School of Environment, Resources and Development

Research Studies Project Report (M. Eng.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1989

In the wake of serious shortages of electricity in Pakistan, this study points at an important issue relating to a least - cost power development program for electricity s upply, viz a rehabilitation approach to loss reduction in the distribution system. System expansion has become a popular means of compensating for losses in electric utilities. The more obvious option of {utility/consumer ) system rehabilitation, which is cheaper to apply and generally has higher and quicker returns, is given less priority. Rehabilitation can bring relief to the supply shortages in the short term. This study takes a rehabilitation approach considering the power distribution system of WAPDA, the largest supplying author ity of electricity in the country. It also examines the reduction in power distribution system losses in terms of economies foregone. Comparative economic analysis is undertaken to assess the effectiveness of rehabilitation.