Malaysia-owned power infrastructure provider Pestech (Cambodia) has won a $26mn project that will see Oddar Meanchey connected to the national power grid, according to a filing of its parent company on the Malaysian stock exchange. The entire project includes the construction of a new substation in Phnom Penh, two new substations, and a 115kV transmission line in Oddar Meanchey. The double-circuit line will run about 75km to Siem Reap. Victor Jona, director-general of the Ministry of Mines and Energy, said the new transmission line was especially important as it would join Oddar Meanchey to the national electricity gird for the first time, expected to help lower the electricity costs for the provincial residents to no more than $0.20 per kilowatt hour. Electricity in the province is currently provided by private companies sourcing power from Thailand, with prices higher than $0.25 per kilowatt hour. The project is expected begin within the month, and the transmission line and substations in Oddar Meanchey are expected to be completed within 18 months. (Source: Phnom Penh Post)