Nepal Infrastructure 
KATHMANDU: The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) is going to expand and strengthen the network of transmission and distribution systems to increase electricity consumption and improve supply in Kailali and Kanchanpur of Sudurpaschim Province.
However, NEA, the sole power distributor, is planning to construct a high-capacity Transmission Line (TL) to solve the long-term problem of power distribution.
During the summer, consumers complain about low voltage and tripping problems in urban areas such as Attariya in Kailali, Dhangadhi in Tikapur, and Mahendranagar in Kanchanpur.
A level team that includes Managing Director Kulman Ghising, Deputy Managing Director of Distribution and Customer Service Directorate Manoj Silwal, and Deputy Managing Director of Broadcasting Directorate Dilghayu Kumar Shrestha visited the area recently and collected information about how to improve the power supply system.
The team discussed with the heads of local units and representatives of industry and commerce associations, the heads of the Sudurpaschim provincial office, and the distribution center of the NEA and instructed them to complete all the electricity supply improvement works before the start of summer and to submit the necessary budget estimation to complete the required tasks. In addition, the team has given instructions to give high priority to the electrification of Sudurpaschim province’s districts.
According to Ghising, a team is being formed to study the work that needs to be done immediately and in the long term to solve the problem of power supply in Kailali and Kanchanpur. As 33 KV line is used beyond its capacity, there are problems such as voltage and overload, especially in the summer season.
“To solve this, we are going to start the construction of a 132 KV line from the Attariya substation in Kailali through the southern region and a 132 KV substation around Dhangadhi and a substation of Kanchanpur Belauri will also be rehabilitated with 132 KV line. Once the 132 kV line comes to the center, there will be no problem like voltage and tripping,” said Ghising.
The difficulty in bringing electricity from the long TL of Kaligandaki corridor to this area has also contributed to the current problem. This year, about 100 MW generated from hydropower projects built in Bajhang and Darchula can be distributed through the Attariya sub-substation. “This additional power also can support resolving problems,” added Ghishing.
Ghising also said that 400 KV TL are going to be constructed to supply power from the hydropower projects to be built in the Karnali, Seti, and Mahakali rivers. Lamhi-Chhinchu, Chhinchu Dododhara, and Dododhar-Naya Attariya (Daiji) 400 KV TL are under study. 400/132 substations will be constructed in Lamhi, Matipur Chinchu, and Naya Attariya. The NEA team also monitored the route of the proposed TL and substation sites.
