Kathmandu, December 17, 2024 (Poush 2, 2081): Until the 456 MW Upper Tamakoshi project resumes production, there will be partial power cuts during peak evening hours for the industrial sector due to increased demand.
As winter begins, reduced water flow in rivers leads to a one-third drop in production capacity for run-of-river (ROR) hydropower projects. Coupled with the inability to import sufficient electricity from India during peak demand hours, Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) will need to partially cut power to industries. Due to the cold weather, power demand increases during this period, but hydropower projects, which dominate Nepal’s energy mix, face decreased production. Managing electricity demand and supply during winter requires importing power from India.
NEA Managing Director Kulman Ghising stated that the shutdown of the 456 MW Upper Tamakoshi—the largest operational hydropower project—has created challenges in managing peak-hour electricity during winter. However, he clarified that there will be no power cuts for consumers other than the industrial sector during peak hours.
The structures of the Upper Tamakoshi project were damaged due to continuous rainfall on October 11 and 12. The repairs are ongoing, and production is expected to resume by December 25 (Poush 10), with plans to operate at peak hours within 15 days. Water can be stored during low-demand periods to run the project at full capacity for four hours during peak time.
The Central Electricity Authority of India has permitted NEA to import up to 654 MW of electricity daily—600 MW via the Dhalkebar-Muzaffarpur 400 kV cross-border transmission line and 54 MW via the Tanakpur-Mahendranagar 132 kV transmission line—until March 15, 2025 (Chaitra 2, 2081).
However, electricity cannot be imported during peak evening hours from 5 PM to 9 PM. After March 15, 2025 (Chaitra 3, 2081), until June 30, 2025 (Ashar 16, 2082), imports will only be allowed during solar hours from 6 AM to 6 PM.
Managing Director Ghising explained that with the Upper Tamakoshi shutdown and restrictions on importing electricity during peak hours, NEA is compelled to implement partial power cuts for industries. He said, “We don’t have permission to import during peak hours. If the Upper Tamakoshi project were operational, we could store water during the day by importing more power and run it during peak hours. Repairs are progressing rapidly, but until the project resumes, some power cuts will be necessary for the industrial sector during peak times.”
Additionally, on Friday morning, power supply to Bara and Parsa industrial corridors in western Dhalkebar was disrupted after a conductor of the Dhalkebar-Nawalpur 132 kV transmission line broke. The line was repaired and resumed operation on Monday afternoon, restoring the power supply.
Similarly, a tree fell and damaged one circuit of the 132 kV transmission line from Chameliya in Darchula to Attariya in Kailali at a location called Khochelek in Baitadi. Repairs are underway on the affected line.
