NRECA International recently signed a contract with the International Resources Group (IRG) to provide technical advisory services to the Government of Bangladesh as part of USAID's "Improved Capacity for Energy Access (ICEA)" program under the Energy II Indefinite Quantity Contract.

The contract, valued at $3.2 million dollars, commenced in fall 2008 and will continue until 2012.
Bangladesh is one of NRECA International's longest-running and most successful rural electrification programs. For more than 30 years, NRECA has worked with the GOB to develop more than 70 electric cooperatives that serve more than 40 million people.

In fact, as a testament to success in that country, NRECA International has trained employees in Bangladesh who are now helping to develop cooperatives in other countries.

NRECA International has also provided technical guidance on equipment and technology, and assisted in the design and implementation of innovative power supply strategies and project implementation.

NRECA International has been the Rural Electrification Board's (REB) principal technical advisor since the program began. Through ongoing funding from the USAID, NRECA International has supported the REB in establishing and maintaining design, construction, and operating standards, as well as in defining a benchmarking program to assure management and operating practices are monitored and maintained at acceptable levels.

Bangladesh's electric cooperatives have evolved into sophisticated utilities, demonstrating superior operational efficiency and proven financial results. The USAID energy program in Bangladesh strengthens key institutions in the energy sector by providing technical assistance, training, and other support to increase institutional capacity through reforms in the gas and power sector; and improves and expands rural power sector infrastructure and performance to alleviate poverty in rural areas.

As part of the ICEA initiative, NRECA International and IRG will provide technical advisory and assistance services to the GOB, and relevant energy agencies, to strengthen regulatory and operational deficiencies in the power sector in order to improve its governance and performance. The ICEA consists of two major components, which include:

• Promotion of self-reliance of rural electric cooperatives
• Strengthening the regulatory regime of the power sector

For more information about NRECA's work in Bangladesh, please visit the NRECA International Web site.

Learn more about NRECA International Foundation.

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