Kathmandu: Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha has said the government plans to make Karnali a province with electricity services by expanding the national transmission grid alongside micro-hydropower, solar mini-grids and household solar systems at the local level.
Responding to questions related to his ministry at today’s meeting of the National Assembly, Minister Shrestha said electricity access in Karnali was being expanded through alternative energy sources alongside the national transmission network.
According to him, 209 micro and small hydropower projects have been constructed in Karnali through the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC). These projects generate 6,719 kilowatts of electricity and have benefited 64,231 households.
Similarly, 23 solar mini-grids are generating 1,709 kilowatts of electricity, providing electricity access to 5,391 households, Minister Shrestha said.
National Transmission Line Yet to Reach 164 Wards
According to Minister Shrestha, of Karnali Province’s 718 wards, 82 have been fully electrified and 472 have been partially electrified through the national transmission line. The national transmission line has yet to reach 164 wards.
“Of Karnali’s 718 wards, 82 have been fully and 472 partially electrified through the national transmission line, while 164 wards are still awaiting access to the national transmission line,” he said. “The government has taken this not merely as a matter of statistics but as a responsibility linked to citizens’ basic services and social justice, and is moving forward with an action plan accordingly.”
A task force comprising the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Nepal Electricity Authority and the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre identified 101,187 households and geographical areas in Karnali that had yet to be electrified in 2079 BS and prepared a “Last Mile Electrification Plan.” Minister Shrestha said the plan has already entered the implementation phase.
Surkhet–Dailekh 132 kV Transmission Line Under Construction
Minister Shrestha said significant work was also underway in Karnali on transmission lines and substations.
According to him, the 132 kV Surkhet substation has already come into operation. Meanwhile, the 32-kilometer, double-circuit 132 kV Surkhet–Dailekh transmission line is under construction. The project is targeted for completion by the end of the upcoming Ashadh.
He said programs in the alternative energy sector were also being advanced in parallel.
An 8 MW grid-connected solar power project has been initiated with loan assistance from the Asian Development Bank. Land has already been selected for the project in Dailekh, Rukum West and Jumla, Minister Shrestha said.
He added that programs were being implemented with budget allocations for solar home systems, small hydropower projects and solar mini-grids in remote wards.
‘We Will Provide Quality Electricity Services in Karnali’
Minister Shrestha said the government aims not merely to make Karnali a province with electricity access but to provide reliable, quality and sustainable electricity services across the province.
“Now, the day when Karnali becomes not merely a province with electricity access but one with reliable, quality and sustainable electricity services is not far away,” he said.
For this purpose, the government plans to implement the Karnali Province Electrification Project in two phases, Minister Shrestha said.
Jalasarokar
