KATHMANDU, Nov 19: With winter approaching and power generation of run-of-the-river plants falling, the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has appealed the general public to not use energy intensive equipment during morning and evening peak hours.
Electricity demand peaks from 5:00 to 8:00 in the morning and 5:30 to 8:30 in the evening, according to NEA.
Issuing a public notice, the power utility has asked general public to avoid use of equipment like washing machine, water pump, geyser and iron, among others during peak hour.
NEA issued the public notice on the back of significant reduction in power cuts throughout the country new managing director Kulman Ghising assumed office.
Brajbhusan Chaudhary, director of NEA, said that general public can help NEA’s bid to eradicate power cuts altogether by becoming energy austere. “If people become more energy-efficient, they will not have to face power cuts,” Chaudhary added.
NEA also has appealed to the public to inform its offices if they have information about power theft. The power utility has already tip-off rewards.
Chaudhary also said that consumers also can help NEA by using energy-efficient bulbs in their homes and offices.
LED bulbs are more efficient than the traditional bulbs and tube lights.
Energy demand fluctuates with the consumer behavior in terms of energy consumption.
According to NEA, the peak hour demand is at around 1300 MW while the lowest demand is around 400 MW at the midnight. The peak load demand in the Kathmandu Valley is 300 MW. It decreases to 200 MW during daytime.
Chief of NEA’s Load Dispatch Center, Bishnu Prasad Shrestha, said that though river discharge has started to dwindle, no effect has been seen in power generation except the Madhya Marsyangdi Hydropower Project. The Lamjung-based project’s generation has come down to 60 MW from the installed capacity of 70 MW.
To provide uninterrupted power supply during evening peak hours, NEA has prohibited industries from operating between 4.30 pm and 8:30 pm. Energy Expert Amrit Man Nakarmi said that NEA’s appeal makes sense as using more electricity at the time of high demand may lead to trip and also darkness. “Public should welcome NEA’s appeal and help it to eradicate power cuts, added Nakarmi.
The demand-side management has worked wonders to supply electricity round the clock particularly in the Kathmandu Valley.
Source : Republica
