NEA to import 15-MW electricity to meet demand for dry season

Kathmandu - Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has said it is to import 15-MW more electricity via Tanakpur point to meet the demand during dry season. For this, the government has got positive nod from India. The Central Electricity Authority of India agreed to provide Nepal additional electricity, the NEA said, adding that Nepal was earlier importing 70-MW electricity. Acting Executive Directive at NEA, Hitendra Dev Shakya, informed that the imported electricity will cost Rs 6.62 per unit.

As per the Mahakali Treaty, Nepal has been receiving 70 million units of power from India every year, while the additional electricity is bought on commercial cost. "Although there is 100 MVA transformer at Tanakpur, there is not permission from India to import more than 70 MW. The continuous discussion with Indian officials has finally persuaded Indian side for 15 KW more power from January to March and July to December, according to him.

According to him, capacity of transition line is another factor delaying the power supply to western region. After additional import of electricity, supply improves in the western belt. The NEA was facing problem to supply power to the west from Chapur of Rautahat which was brought via Dhalkebar-Mujaffarpur transmission line. It was difficult because of the lack transmission line capacity. The additional import would further help supply power supply to the Kathmandu Valley and the east ward.