The World Bank is financing $30 million (£18.9m) to improve the electricity grid in Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR).

The ‘Power Grid Improvement Project Lao PDR’ aims to make the grid in the country more efficient.

More than 20% of electricity supply is lost during distribution in some areas and is “unreliable” during peak periods in other parts of the country, stated the World Bank.

Ulrich Zachau, Country Director of the World Bank for Southeast Asia said: “Laos has made great strides, including with past World Bank Group support, in bringing electricity to the vast majority of the population. The World Bank is now pleased to provide new financing for increasing the efficiency and reliability of the electricity supply.

“The new financing will help improve the quality of electricity services while keeping prices at affordable rates, benefiting low income customers.”