Electricity import from India limited to 12 hours

KATHMANDU: The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has announced that electricity imported from India will now be supplied only during daylight hours, amounting to 12 hours a day.

The NEA has been relying on imported electricity from India to maintain regular supply and prevent load shedding.

There has been speculation about a potential return of load shedding in Nepal with the reduction in electricity supply from India. However, the NEA has assured that there will be no immediate load shedding despite the cut in supply.

Currently, the NEA imports over 600 megawatts of electricity daily from India.

NEA spokesperson Chandan Kumar Ghosh confirmed that the supply duration from India remains the same as last year and emphasized that even with the reduced supply time, there should be no issue.

“We have multiple alternative arrangements in place, including ROR and Kulekhani, which will contribute 400 megawatts,” said Ghosh.

He also mentioned that the NEA has reached an agreement to limit electricity supply to large industries during peak hours. As a result, some industries in the Terai region, where transmission lines are less organized, may be affected.

Ghosh clarified that due to the reduced supply from India during the 12-hour period, certain industries in the industrial sector would be unable to operate during peak hours as per the agreement. The peak hours, according to the agreement, are from 5 pm to 11 pm.

“Due to geographical reasons, reaching some areas will not be possible. Our powerhouses are located in the Himalayan region, while large industries are situated in lower areas, and transmission lines are required accordingly,” he said.

“However, there will be no issue in industrial areas such as Kathmandu Valley, Morang, and Butwal.”

In the past week, 20 megawatts of additional electricity have been added to the national transmission line from various projects. Ghosh added that more electricity would soon be connected to the national transmission line from powerhouses operating in Baglung, Myagdi, and other districts.