KATHMANDU, Dec 31: The Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Project has resumed partial electricity production, generating 120 megawatts since December 24, following repairs to the project which was damaged by natural disaster in late September. Despite this, industries in Nepal continue to face 8-hour unannounced load shedding, as the country's power deficit remains significant.
While the Upper Tamakoshi Project is producing electricity, the full capacity of the 456-megawatt peaking run-of-the-river (PROR) project has not been realized, leading to continued electricity shortages. According to the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), the shortage of 300 to 350 megawatts has forced the authority to impose power cuts on some industries.
There will be no load-shedding now: NEA
Currently, the demand for electricity in Nepal is around 2,000 MW during peak hours. However, only 1,600 MW is being met through domestic production and imports. Due to infrastructural limitations, such as outdated transmission lines, and an agreement with India that restricts electricity exports during peak hours, Nepal is unable to provide the required power supply to industries.
The country is facing several transmission issues, particularly with the aging Inruwa-Dhalkebar-Chandranigahapur-Pathlaiya-Hetauda 132 kV transmission line, which has not been upgraded since its construction in 1985. Additionally, the Dhalkebar-Hetauda 400 kV transmission line remains incomplete due to local obstructions.
The NEA anticipates that the electricity shortages and load shedding will persist for the next four to five years during the winter season. Meanwhile, industrialists have expressed concern over the unannounced load shedding, saying that it disrupts production schedules and increases operational costs.
