Electricity standards on the drawing board

The Lao Electricity Power Technical Standards project, or LEPTS, will benefit the developing electricity network in Laos when it is fully implemented in the near future.

The LEPTS Regulatory Unit last week held its final seminar in Borikhamxay province and released documents regarding the role of technical standards to electrical employees of the provincial department. The project has already held similar meetings in the last three months in other provinces.

The seminar was attended by the LEPTS Phase 2 coordinator, Mr Masatoshi Kaimasu, and Deputy Director of the provincial Energy and Mines Department, Mr Khamsing Sayphouvong, as well as around 20 trainees from the electricity industry.

The aim of the seminars was to help trainees understand the application of uniform technical standards for the development of the industry in each province; these trainees will then be able to help disseminate the information to district electricians and staff.

This will ensure electrical staff and private companies maintain a regulated approach to issues of repair and maintenance of equipment and improve the safety of the electricity supply, said Mr Masatoshi at the seminar.

The project consists of two stages - Phase 1 from May 2000 to April 2003, and Phase 2 from January 2005 until March 2008.

As well as the training programme, the project has also improved technical documents and regulations regarding electrical work and established a technical standards training centre and the LEPTS Regulatory Unit to help oversee the project.

The project was organised under the Department of Electricity of the Ministry of Energy and Mines and supported by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency.

Staff from Energy and Mines departments around the country now have a greater understanding of the issues and requirements, and will be more effective in developing the Lao electricity network.

When the project finishes, the Japan International Cooperation Agency plans to support further training for the increasing number of private contractors and firms in the industry.

By KHAMPHONE SYVONGXAY
(Latest Update February 04, 2008)