Summary
1. Outline of the ProjectCountry: Kingdom of Cambodia
Project Title: Project for Building of Capacity and Institutions in the Electrical Sector
Issue/Sector: Improving Systems for Generation, Transmission and Distribution ofElectric Power
Cooperation Scheme: Technical cooperation project
Division in Charge: JICA Cambodia OfficeTotal cost (as of the time of evaluation):

454.976 million Japanese yen

Period of Cooperation:(R/D) September 19, 2004–September 18, 2007
(Extension):(F/U):(E/N): (Aid)
Partner Country’s Implementing Organization: Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy(MIME), Electricity Authority of Cambodia (EAC), Electricité du Cambodge (EDC)
Supporting Organization in Japan: Japan Electric Power Information Center, Inc.
(JEPIC)
Related Cooperation:
1-1 Background of the Project
Electrification rate, generation and consumption of electricity in Cambodia aremuch lower than those in neighboring countries. Due to the civil war and other factors,
the country has many problems, including the deterioration of power-transmission
facilities and lack of engineers. On the other hand, demand for electric power has been
rapidly increasing in recent years, mainly in cities, and it is necessary to enhance andimprove the technology for maintaining and managing the ability to supply energy inorder to cope with the further expansion of demand in the future. Under thecircumstances, the Cambodian Government requested support from Japan for thedevelopment of legal systems to maintain and operate electric power facilities and forthe technical cooperation related to the operation of the facilities.
1-2 Project Overview(1) Overall Goal
Stable and safe supply of electric power in Cambodia

(2) Project Purpose
EAC: Effective and proper management of Electric Power Technical Standards by EAC
EDC: Effective and proper management of distribution system by EDC(3) Project Outputs<EAC>
1) Clarification of rules with respect to General Requirements of Electric Power TechnicalStandards
2) Smooth performance of work to authorize and approve licenses
3) Upgrading of knowledge and skills for guiding licensees<EDC>
1) Development of knowledge and skills for the maintenance of the distribution system
2) Development of knowledge and skills for the recovery of the distribution system
3) Development of the capacity for designing and enhancing the distribution system(4) Project Inputs (as of this evaluation)
Japanese side: 454 million yen
Long-term experts

2 persons (one each for EAC and EDC)

Equipment supply

The text related to international standards, computers(software, hardware), GIS software, fault location system, electric voltage detector,
etc.
Short-term experts
Local cost

31 persons (23 for EAC, 8 for EDC)

EAC: 90,597 US dollar, EDC: 116,919 US dollar

No. of trainees received in Japan 10 persons (6 from EAC, 4 from EDC)
Cambodian side: About 8,000 US dollar
C.P. arrangement
EAC: 5 persons (7 from MIME and EDC for the WG to formulate Electric PowerTechnical Standards)
EDC: 18 persons
Project office for experts
2. Evaluation Team Overview
Member of the evaluation team(Area in charge: name, title)
Leader: Yusuke Murakami, Deputy Resident Representative, JICA Cambodia Office
Improvement of the ability to permit and license for electric power industry: Hideki
Narumi, Deputy Assistant Manager, Administration Dept., JEPIC International

Cooperation Center
C.P. training: Satoru Kobayashi, Program Officer, Economic Development Dept., JICA
PDM evaluation: Atau Kishinami, Permanent Expert, International Development
Associates Ltd.
Operational management: Shigeki Miyake, JICA Cambodia OfficeEvaluation Period
March 4–14, 2007
Evaluation type: Terminal evaluation
3. Overview of Evaluation Results
3-1 Achievements
Achievements of the indicators for project purposes are as follows. Bothprojects are proceeding favorably and all of the indicators are expected to be satisfied by
September 2007, which is when the project is scheduled to end.
EAC
Indicator
1

SubmissionofCurrent conditions
Specific The final seminar on SREPTS was held in January 2007 as

Requirements of Electric Power planned and the final version of SREPTS will be preparedTechnical Standards (SREPTS) to by the end of April 2007.
MIME
2 The number of guidance to Technical guidance has already been conducted as
licensees

concerningtechnical necessary. Technical guidance specifically pertaining tomatters

SREPTS was also carried out after the preparation of thefirst draft of SREPTS in July and August 2006 and thesecond seminars for local licensees will be conducted inJuly and August 2007. The “Seminar Participants
List” is attached as a reference

EDC
Indicator
1

ProperCurrent conditions

management

and A facility database for the Medium Voltage distribution

analysis of facility databasesystem in Phnom Penh as well as ones for other provincial
towns (13 provinces) under EDC control have been

established as of March 2007. The indicator has been
fulfilled.
2

Properexecutionof

EDC Geographic Information System (GIS) data, which isplanning workrequired for the preparation of planning work, has beenarranged and some of the work has been executed in
Phnom Penh and in provincial towns under EDC control.
Standards showing the basic methodologies of theextension plan implementation will be modified in March2007.

As described above, three outputs are set for respective projects. As of March
2007, the Specific Requirements of Electric Power Technical Standards for the EAC isalmost complete and the preparation for MIME's approval and promulgation isunderway. At the EDC, all equipment has been installed and system management has
been implemented. Therefore, the project purpose is nearly achieved.
Achievements of the indicators for project outcomes are as follows. Bothprojects are proceeding favorably and all of the indicators are expected to be satisfied by
September 2007, which is when the project is scheduled to end.
EAC
Outcome 1
Indicator

Current conditions

1-1 Preparation of SREPTS of The final draft of SREPTS was presented in the final
three major fields

seminar held in January 2007 in Phnom Penh. SREPTS are
currently being modified/revised and will be prepared in
April 2007.

1-2

Clarificationof

SREPTS Counterpart

personnelhavegainedthoroughcontents on behalf of officials/staff understanding of SREPTS by way of making presentationsofElectricity

Department(TargetRegulation at six seminars and also through translations. A
levelclarification: 80%)of questionnaire regarding the level of understanding will be
carried out before the Project’s completion.

1-3 Awareness of the SREPTS by A total of 112 out of 132 licensees participated in the firstlicensees (Target level: 100%)

seminar on SREPTS held in July 2006. A total of 110 out
of 132 licensees participated in seminars at four locations
in August 2006. In addition, a seminar was held with 114
out of 137 licensees in January 2007. Other licensees whodid not participate in either seminar have been provided
with the SREPTS, including the explanation sheet.
Outcome 2
Indicator

Current conditions

2-1 Enabling of quick and easy Supply area data regarding existing licensees has alreadyaccess to licensees’ supply areas

been collected. It can already be accessed with ease via
intranet, which is more effective compared to theconventional management system based on written
documents.

2-2Managementoflicensees’ The data on the facilities have been acquired andfacilities data within EAC.

are managed by GIS, except on the companies thatare updating the facilities.

2-3 Collection of data on faults The EAC standards are under reexamination toand accidents

appropriately collect data from each electricity
company. The implementation is scheduled for
December 2007.

2-4 Public disclosure of data on A trial was made by the intranet within the EAC. It This iselectrified areas via the website

expected scheduled to for disclosure to the public by theend of March 2007.

Outcome 3
Indicator

Current conditions

3-1 Technical materials and texts Some materials, such as the “Explanation Sheet forare prepared.

Specific Requirements of Electric Power TechnicalStandards”, “Voltage Management” and a DVD on “Safety
Work” have been prepared.

3-2 Enabling of officials/staff of A manual has been made. The ability of core staff
Electricity

Regulation has improved as far as being able to use measuring

Department

of

EAC

to

use instruments by themselves.

instruments

providedin

thisproject
3-3 Provision of guidance and Guidance and training are given to licensees whentraining to all licensees

problems occur as well as when licensees receive
visits. Technical guidance and training sessions
were carried out in July and August 2006 at
SREPTS seminars and will also be conducted at
local seminars to be held in July and August 2007.

EDC
Outcome 1
Indicator
1-1

The

Current conditions

databaseforthe The database using GIS was completed by March

maintenance of the distribution 2007.
system is made.
1-2 The manual for the repair of As manuals for repairs, the “Manual for repairing
the distribution system is made.

underground cables” and the “Manual for patrol,
inspection and measuring (underground cable)” werecompleted in November 2006.

1-3 Conducting of periodic checks It is recognized that measuring the electric current of anfor preventive maintenance.

LV

underground

cable

is

effectiveaspreventive

maintenance. Periodic checks have been conducted
properly in accordance with the maintenance manuals
since the beginning of 2007. “Measuring Low Voltage
Underground Cables” is attached as a reference.
1-4

Shortening

recoveryof(Targettime

fault The time was shortened from the average 1,004

level:

20% minutes/case

reduction from present time)

in

2005

to

the

average654

minutes/case in 2006 (about a 35% reduction).

Outcome 2
Indicator
2-1 Impedance map is made.

Current conditions
Impedance map has been made in December 2006.

2-2 Quick and easy ascertainment Training courses related to GIS were introduced inof areas and number of household February 2007 for system operators. The areas and theaffected by faults

numbers of households affected by faults will beable to be determined in a short time and with ease
after the completion of the training courses in April
2007. Booklets providing map information will be
distributed to the relevant personnel in March
2007.

2-3 Preparation of manuals for The “Manual for relay protection work” wasrelay setting

prepared

togetherwithashort-term

expertdispatched in October 2006. It will be officiallyapproved in April 2007.
2-4 Recovery time from electric The time was shortened from the average 1,004

power outage is shortened by minutes/case
20%.

in

2005

to

the

average654

minutes/case in 2006 (about a 35% reduction).

Outcome 3
Indicator

Current conditions

3-1 The database for the planning The system input of the information on theof a distribution system is made.

facilities

and

on

each

village(numberofhouseholds, etc.) has been completed, and the
database for the planning is ready. (GIS is used.)
3-2 Revised Technical Standards The first draft was prepared in January 2007. It is currentlyof EDC is prepared.*1

being

modified/revised

accordingtotherelevant

personnel’s opinions and will be approved by the EDC
Director by the end of March 2007.
3-3 Preparation of future plans for Future plans for extension have been prepared forextension

the following areas and sections:-Kampong Cham
-Siemreap-Siemreap-Sihanouk Ville-Phnom Penh―Kampong Speu
-Kandal―Takeo-Kampot Chhuk-Battambang-Banteay Meanchay*1 The Cambodian evaluation team thought that it should be called the "EDC Technical
Guidelines" instead of "EDC Technical Standards."
3-2 Summary of Evaluation Results(1) RelevanceThe relevance of this project is high.
National and sector policies of the Cambodian government, such as the"National Poverty Reduction Strategy," the "Energy Sector Development Policy," and the"Cambodia Power Sector Strategy," emphasize the electric power sector and humanresource development of the sector, and this project is highly coherent with the policies.
The EAC was concerned with its hindrance on the electric power administration to copewith the rapid increase in the future demand for electric power and of deterioration onthe reliance and stability of the power supply, and immediate measures were required.
At the same time, one of the EDC’s pressing needs was fostering of an organized groupof engineers, since the EDC’s ability to cope with these issues was low due to the lack ofhuman resources, technology, experience, and funding. Therefore, the project accords
with the needs of the EAC and EDC, who are the beneficiaries. Japan has made its
assistance priority area in accordance with National Strategic Development Plan andRectangular Strategy of the Cambodian Government, and this project contributes to the"building of an economic and social infrastructure" in the plan and the strategy.
By achieving two project purposes, the electric power supply sector is enhanced
in both system and facility, and improvement is made for a stable and safe supply ofelectric power, which is the overall goal of this project.
(2) EffectivenessThe effectiveness of this project is high.
Regarding the EAC, the activities related to "technical guidance to electricity
companies are implemented," which is one of the indicators of the project target level,are practiced at the time when a problem occurs at an electricity company and when avisit to an electricity company is made. In addition, a seminar for electricity companies
was held in July and August 2006, after the completion of the first draft of SREPTS.
Technical guidance is also scheduled after SREPTS is promulgated as a ministryordinance of MIME, and more substantial technical guidance will be given after the(scheduled) promulgation in June 2007 until the project completion.
As for the EDC, the indicators for two project targets have been nearly satisfied.
With the revision of design standards related to the expansion plan and the formal
launch of the organization for GIS in the future, the target levels are expected to beachieved completely by the project deadline.
Three respective outcomes of this project are all essential conditions for theachievement of the project targets, and the achievement would be difficult if any one ofthe outcomes is not satisfied. External conditions are nearly satisfied too.
(3) Efficiency
The efficiency of this project is relatively high.
The delivery of a probing vehicle for fault location was a little delayed, but
inputs have been made almost as scheduled on both the Japanese and Cambodian sides.
Because the indicators for outcomes have nearly been achieved, the quality, quantity
and timing of inputs are considered to have been appropriate. Especially, the training inneighboring countries of Cambodia was efficient when considering similar situations in
those countries and the cost-effectiveness in comparison with the training in Japan. All
the outcomes could not have been practiced and disseminated if the input of this project
had not been made.
(4) Impact
The following positive impacts have appeared.
>

The indicator of the overall goal is the "stable and safe supply of electric powerin Cambodia." The number of electric power outages per customer has been
improved from 3.769 x 10-3 times/household p.a. before starting the project to2.311 x 10-3 times/household p.a. in 2006. A part of this effect is produced by afactor not directly owing to this project, such as the increase in power
generation, but it is also a fact that the activity of this project, such as relay
setting, has made a direct contribution.

>

Seminars to introduce GIS were given for various related organizations, which
resulted in some organizations installing GIS and some sharing information(satellite photographs).

(5) Sustainability
Sustainability of this project is high.
In regard to organization and system, the enhancement of the electric power
sector coincides with national policy and this tendency is expected to continue in the
future. When MIME promulgates SREPTS as the ordinance, the EAC will have strong
measures and validity to give instructions to electricity companies. At the same time,the EDC is making efforts to strengthen the organization by establishing thedepartment related to relay setting and problem analysis and by approving theestablishment of a section related to the activities on GIS. By these efforts, the C.P. isexpected to be able to continue to use the knowledge and technology gained by the
project after the project completion. Sustainability is high in the technical aspect, sincetechnology transfer has been implemented smoothly, and supplied equipments areappropriately maintained and managed by the C.P. As for the financial aspect, the EAC
has ample funds from its income from the activities on licensing. Although the budget of
the EDC is limited, Deputy Managing Director Yim Norson has stated that the EDC
would maintain efforts to secure the budget for establishing the above new section, andthe concern at the time of the mid-term evaluation is nearly cleared up. Financial
sustainability of the EAC and EDC are high and somewhat high respectively.

3-3 Factors that Contributed to the Production of Effect(1) Planning
As a contributing factor, the content of the plan accorded with the policies ofthe state and the sector and was the priority issue of MIME, EAC and EDC; so theseorganizations were very much interested in the plan, and it was quite timely.
(2) Implementation Process
Regarding the EDC, it was effective in enhancing sustainability to havepromptly approved the establishment of the section related to GIS in accordance withthe "proposal" in interim evaluation.
3-4 Problems and Factors that Raised Problems(1) Planning
Nothing specifically(2) Implementation Process
Since several implementing and related organizations exist for the project, it isnecessary to share information on the project progress and problems. In the Joint
Coordinating Council (JCC) held in May 2006, a report on the activities was presented
and the Project Design Matrix (PDM) was discussed, but such meeting was not held
again until March 13, 2007.
3-5 Conclusions
Since the degree of achievement of indicators written in PDM is high, project
outcomes and project purposes are expected to be achieved by the project expiration. In
addition, the effect of a part of the overall goal has appeared as described above.
Evaluations by five items (Relevance, Effectiveness, Efficiency, Impact, Sustainability)
are all "high" or "relatively high," and the project has been progressing smoothly.
Therefore, the project is scheduled to finish in September 2007 as originally planned.
3-6 Recommendations (Specific Measures, Recommendations and Advice on thisProject)
A joint evaluation team made the following recommendations.

(1) Establishment of an office in charge of GIS in the EDC
According to the proposal in the interim evaluation, the EDC has decided toestablish an office exclusively in charge of GIS to strengthen the activity of GIS, and theapproval process is currently underway with the Board of Directors. From the viewpointof concentrating the C.P., who were transferred the technology by the project, and ofusing them effectively, the evaluation team has proposed to accelerate the preparationof the establishment of the section related to GIS and to secure the budget to manage
the experienced personnel and the section.
(2) Revision of EAC standards
Indicator 2-3, “collection of data on faults and accidents" prescribed in PDM(EAC) is also important for knowing the progress of this project. "Collection of data on
the accidents of electric facilities and electric shocks, etc. (Proposal)," which is scheduled
to be included in the EAC Standards, of which revision is underway, has already been
submitted by this project, and the Electric Power Technical Standards of this timeshould be promulgated immediately to check the real situations of electrical accidents.
(3) Training based on SREPTS
Though SREPTS has not been promulgated as of March 2007, it isrecommended to practice for the EAC C.P. the inspection training that uses SREPTS,
under the guidance of Japanese experts, by continuing it until the end of the project.
This training is absolutely imperative for stronger certainty of the C.P.'s smooth
implementation of inspections after the promulgation of SREPTS and for theenhancement of sustainability.
3-7 Lessons Learned (Matters Helpful for Discovering/Forming Similar Projects Derived
from this Project and Implementation, Operation and Administration Thereof)(1) Training course suitable for actual circumstances of the region
There was a statement from the C.P. that the training in neighboring countries
of Cambodia was quite useful for the improvement of knowledge and technology because
the situations in the countries were similar to those in Cambodia. When planningtraining at phase 2 of the project and others in the future, it is necessary to consider
cost-effectiveness in comparison with the training in Japan by checking whether or notthere are resources in neighboring countries.
(2) Implementation of baseline survey
When measuring the achievement of indicators in the PDM of this project,
there was an indicator of which production of effect was unclear due to the lack ofquantitative data. To clearly and quantitatively measure the achievement of"effectiveness," "efficiency" and "impact" in the future, a baseline survey needs to besystematically implemented.
(3) Enhancement of abilities of existing facilities and personnel
For this project, an approach to enhance the capacity of existing organizations
and personnel was taken, instead of newly securing facilities and personnel to
implement the project. Generally speaking, in developing countries that have financial
and organizational vulnerability, the method to newly secure organizations andpersonnel to implement a project is not appropriate in light of "sustainability," andproblematic cases were found here and there in the past. From this point of view, theapproach of this project will serve as a good example for other projects.
(4) Factors necessary for the organization implementing a projectThis project is smoothly progressing based on PDM. One of the reasons is thatthe implementing organization has the following characteristics:-

Strong commitment to the project activities by high-ranking personnel;-

Devotion to the project activities by counterpart personnel;-

Sufficient funding for local costs;-

Sufficient funding for salaries for counterpart personnel allowing said
personnel to devote themselves to the project’s activities;-

High level of similarity between project activities and daily work;-

Presence of personnel with high levels of technical skill; and-Existence of good ICT environment.
When setting plans for future projects, the above factors need to be taken into

consideration.