Old power infrastructure causing frequent outages: Energy Minister

Frequent power outages plaguing Nepal are a direct consequence of the country's outdated electricity infrastructure, which struggles to cope with increasing demand, Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha stated.

Addressing lawmakers in the House of Representatives, Shrestha announced that the government has made improving and strengthening the electricity infrastructure a top priority. The Nepal Electricity Authority is actively working to enhance the distribution system in coordination with government initiatives. Planned power disruptions are being announced through public notices as maintenance work is carried out.

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Nepal earned Rs 29.32 billion from electricity exports in fiscal year 2082/83.

Nepal has seen substantial earnings from electricity exports, totaling Rs 29.32 billion in the fiscal year 2082/83. The minister explained that most of Nepal's hydropower projects are run-of-river, leading to increased production during the monsoon season when river flows are high. Consequently, only surplus electricity is exported, while the country imported electricity worth Rs 10.55 billion in the last fiscal year.

Shrestha identified transmission and distribution as the primary challenges, rather than electricity generation itself. A committee has been formed to investigate voltage fluctuations across the country and has submitted a report on tripping problems in various areas. The Nepal Electricity Authority has been directed to implement the committee's recommendations. Despite rapid growth in domestic electricity consumption, the aging and low-capacity infrastructure continues to be the root cause of persistent power outages.

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electricity generation is no longer a major challenge for Nepal, while transmission and distribution remain the main challenges.