Kathmandu: The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has brought into operation a new 33/11 kV, 8 MVA unmanned substation at Letang-3 after successfully completing testing, commissioning, and charging. The substation has been developed with the objective of making the power distribution system more modern, reliable, and automated.
Constructed under the NEA’s Koshi Provincial Office in Biratnagar, the facility is the first unmanned substation in Nepal’s electricity distribution system to be based on Auto Recloser (AR) and SCADA control technology. It is being regarded as a significant milestone in the modernization of the country’s distribution network.
The Letang area had long been facing problems related to low voltage and unreliable power supply, prompting widespread complaints from local consumers. In response, NEA Acting Executive Director Dirghayu Kumar Shrestha directed the immediate implementation of alternative arrangements and the swift completion of the substation project. Following this directive, the Koshi Provincial Office expedited construction while bringing the Biratchowk-Kerung 33 kV transmission line into operation.
Construction of the project began on April 19, 2022 (Baisakh 6, 2079 BS), and it was successfully completed and charged on June 19, 2026 (Asar 5, 2083 BS). The substation was built at an estimated cost of around Rs 100 million, with Jai Durge Infra Engineering responsible for construction.
The facility is equipped with an 8 MVA power transformer. On the 33 kV side, four bays have been installed—one incomer, one outgoing, one transformer bay, and one spare bay. On the 11 kV side, five bays have been established, including one incomer and four outgoing bays, two of which are reserved as spare. In addition, an office building with a control room and staff accommodation has been constructed.
With the substation now operational, thousands of electricity consumers in Letang Municipality and Belbari Municipality are expected to benefit directly. The project is anticipated to reduce technical and commercial losses in the distribution system, improve voltage levels, minimize unnecessary tripping and power interruptions, and enhance revenue collection.
According to the NEA, the unmanned and fully automated system will also significantly reduce manpower requirements and operational costs associated with operation and maintenance. The project incorporates Auto Reclosers manufactured by CG Make and a SCADA system supplied by Siemens, enabling remote monitoring and control to ensure safe and efficient operation of the substation.
Jointly completed by technical teams from the NEA and the construction company, the project is being viewed as a major step toward making the electricity distribution system in Koshi Province more reliable, modern, and aligned with smart grid technology
Urjasanchar
