Kathmandu, October 23

Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) has announced it would provide 10 million LED bulbs over the next two years to support the ‘Ujyalo Nepal Abhiyan’ (Brighter Nepal Campaign) of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA).

Talking to The Himalayan Times, Bhaban Bhatta, the newly elected president of the NRNA, said that the association is going to support the Brighter Nepal Campaign of the NEA and the current leadership, who has put enormous effort to end the rolling blackouts in the country.

Replacing existing bulbs with power-efficient LED bulbs will save around 200 megawatts of power or the quantum of power that NEA is facing deficit of to end load-shedding during the dry season. NEA’s plan to procure 10 million LED bulbs has been stalled due to the dispute in procurement few months back.

“NEA has been struggling to end load-shedding across the country and the current leadership of the NEA has presented some commendable results, which is very encouraging for us,” said Bhatta, adding, “We would like to support Kulman Ghising’s initiative to make the country load-shedding free by providing 10 million LED bulbs within the next two years.”

By providing the power-efficient LED bulbs, NRN community will contribute 200 megawatts to the country’s power system. “We cannot build a 200-megawatt hydropower project in the next two years, but we can help ensure efficient use of available resources,” Bhatta asserted.

He further said that the LED bulbs will be handed over to NEA in different phases and he also called the NRN community to contribute to the Brighter Nepal Campaign. It costs around Rs one billion to purchase 10 million LED bulbs.

As a part of its load management plan, NEA had aimed to procure 10 million bulbs before the dry season this year. However, the plan has been stalled due to the dispute in LED bulb procurement.

NEA, however, said that they have not received any formal commitment from the NRNA.