Kathmandu — An additional 350 MW of electricity can now be imported from India to meet Nepal’s internal electricity demand during the winter season. With India’s approval to import electricity through the 132 kV transmission line, Nepal will now be able to import up to 1,004 MW of electricity during the winter.
Nepal had requested permission to import 450 MW of electricity through the 132 kV Kataiya (India)–Kushwa (Nepal), Raxaul–Parwanipur, and Gandak (Nepal)–Ramnagar (India) transmission lines. However, India granted approval for only 300 MW, according to Rajan Dhakal, Director of the Electricity Trade Department at the Authority. Similarly, Nepal had sought to import 150 MW through the 132 kV Mainahiya (Nepal)–Sampatiya (New Nautanwa, India) transmission line, but India permitted only 50 MW.
“India has granted permission to import electricity for 20 hours daily until March 15,” said Dhakal. He further mentioned that India does not allow electricity exports during the evening hours. “India does not permit electricity imports from 5 PM to 9 PM,” he said. “After March 15, electricity can be imported during solar hours, i.e., from 6 AM to 6 PM.”
Source : Kantipur
