Key Takeaways:
- Around 430MW of electricity generation has been disconnected from the national transmission system following the Bhotekoshi flood
- The government and Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) are developing alternative supply arrangements, particularly for the winter season
- Authorities are considering additional underground transmission lines in Kathmandu as part of the contingency plan
- A taskforce is being formed to manage electricity demand and reduce pressure on existing transmission infrastructure
The government has begun preparing alternative electricity supply arrangements after damage caused by the Bhotekoshi flood disrupted power transmission infrastructure and disconnected around 430 megawatts of electricity from the national transmission system.
The Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation said the flood affected transmission from the Trishuli corridor to Balaju and Chapali in Kathmandu, increasing pressure on other transmission lines serving the capital.
Ministry spokesperson Mohan Kumar Shakya said the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) is developing an alternative supply system and preparing to form a taskforce to manage electricity demand, particularly during the winter months when generation and supply challenges tend to intensify.
As part of the contingency planning, the ministry on Tuesday held discussions with the Department of Roads and Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) regarding the construction of additional underground transmission infrastructure.
The NEA has proposed installing underground transmission grids as a short-term alternative to strengthen supply reliability during the upcoming winter season. Officials from both the Department of Roads and KMC expressed commitment to support the initiative, including facilitating the laying of underground cables along footpaths where required.
Munindra Thakur, chief of the Bagmati Distribution and Customer Service Directorate, presented plans for managing electricity demand in Kathmandu and said the authority is preparing strategies to address increased winter demand through the proposed taskforce.
Meanwhile, NEA Board Member Anshu Kiran Shahi stressed the need for closer coordination among government agencies to ensure stable electricity supply and effective power-demand management in the Kathmandu Valley.
(With inputs from RSS)