"Though the water level in the rivers has not increased, we have decided to reduce power cuts by two hours, considering the importance of the examinations that will be held simultaneously across the country," chief of Load Dispatch Center Chiranjibi Sharma said following a meeting that took the decision. [break]
Sharma said the reservoir project at Kulekhani will be used to manage power supply for 12 hours across the country.
Sharma insisted that over-use of Kulekhani during the examination period will not strain the reservoir too much.
"This is along estimated lines and we will stay within the target of keeping power cuts at 14 hours after completion of the exams," Sharma added. He disclosed that NEA would either revert to the existing 14-hours a day or maintain the new 84-hours a week schedule, depending on the supply and demand situation after the exams.
A total of 496,243 students will be appearing in this year´s SLC exams with 436,411-- including 206,620 females--regular examinees, and 59,832--including 34,027 females--exempted. The Office of Controller of Examinations has set up 1,672 examination centers across the country for the exams.
There will be no load-shedding now: NEA