Photo : BSS

By Md Aynal Haque

RAJSHAHI, Aug 8, 2025 (BSS) - The Northern Electricity Supply Company (NESCO) Limited has undertaken an ambitious project to modernize and expand its electricity distribution network with a view to reducing the frequency and duration of power outages across all 16 districts under Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions.

The initiative aims to enhance the overall reliability, efficiency, and capacity of the power distribution system while minimizing electricity losses during transmission and distribution.

"We have already adopted modern technologies and best practices in network management and operation to modernize the overall distribution system," said Engineer Hamidur Rahman, Project Director and a senior official at NESCO.

Under the project titled "Network Infrastructure Development and Modernization of Distribution System in the NESCO Area," NESCO seeks to upgrade existing infrastructure, expand network capacity, and introduce advanced technologies for improved electricity service delivery.

With an estimated cost of around Taka 1,271.52 crore, the project will be implemented by June 2029 across 39 upazila towns in the two divisions.

As part of the modernization initiative, the project includes the design, supply, installation, and commissioning of new 33/11 kV GIS/AIS (Gas/Air Insulated Switchgear) substations, along with the construction of a new 2x10/13.331 MVA 33/11 kV AIS substation.

Additionally, existing overhead and underground power lines will be upgraded to reduce transmission losses and increase network capacity.

To facilitate real-time monitoring and enhance operational control, NESCO will implement Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and Distribution Management Systems (DMS).

"Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) will be introduced to enable remote meter reading, improve billing accuracy, and provide consumers with better insights into their energy consumption," Engineer Rahman added.

Smart grid technologies will also be promoted under the project to enhance grid stability, improve network management, and support the integration of renewable energy sources into the distribution system.

To ensure the sustainability and efficiency of the upgraded system, NESCO personnel will receive training on the operation and maintenance of the modernized facilities.

Earlier, under the five-year project titled "Rajshahi Division Distribution Line and Substation Extension and Rehabilitation," NESCO installed 3,448.5 kilometers of power supply lines until June 2025 to strengthen the power distribution system and improve the socio-economic conditions of the people.

Of the total, 2,037.5 kilometers were newly constructed, while 1,411 kilometers were renovated.

Furthermore, 33/11 kV three new substations, 11/4 kV 3,400 distribution transformers, and 6.35/0.24 kV 451 distribution transformers were installed. In addition, 20 existing 33/11 kV substations were improved and rehabilitated, facilitating the connection of electricity to 2.35 lakh new consumers.

Engineer Hamidur Rahman told BSS that, as of June this year, installation works of 1,043.57 kilometers of distribution lines were completed, including 33 kV - 21.69 kilometers, 11 kV - 132.35 kilometers, 11/0.4 kV - 286.95 kilometers, and 0.4 kV - 602.58 kilometers.

With rapid industrial and commercial expansion in the region-including the establishment of rice mills, cold storages, poultry farms, agro-based industries, shopping malls, educational institutions, and an export processing zone in Pabna-demand for electricity has significantly increased.

The ongoing project is already contributing to ensuring a safer and more dependable electricity supply for consumers, while also enhancing the quality of client services. The improvements are expected to benefit the region's power users up to the year 2030.