NEA Chief Promises No Load-Shedding This Winter, Prioritizes Flood-Damaged Hydropower Recovery
Newly appointed Nepal Electricity Authority Executive Director Dirghayukumar Shrestha has pledged uninterrupted electricity supply this winter while prioritizing the recovery of hydropower projects damaged by the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli floods.
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KATHMANDU: Newly appointed Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) Executive Director Dirghayukumar Shrestha has said ensuring a smooth electricity supply during the upcoming winter will be one of his top priorities.
Taking charge at the NEA headquarters in Durbarmarg on Wednesday, Shrestha said the authority will work to prevent power disruptions despite major damage caused to hydropower projects and transmission infrastructure by the recent Bhotekoshi and Trishuli floods.
“We will not allow problems to arise in electricity supply during the winter,” Shrestha said.
Flood-Damaged Hydropower Recovery First Priority
Shrestha said the immediate restoration of flood-damaged hydropower projects in the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river corridors of Rasuwa will be his first priority.
The NEA chief said the flood caused major losses to both the government and the authority, requiring both short-term recovery measures and a long-term reconstruction plan.
The recovery process will include:
Clearing debris from damaged hydropower facilities
Assessing the extent of damage
Preparing reconstruction plans
Restoring damaged transmission infrastructure
Reconnecting operational hydropower plants to the national grid
Efforts to Restore Power Capacity
According to Shrestha, the Chilime Hub currently has the capacity to operate around 135 MW, and the immediate goal is to reconnect additional hydropower projects to the national system.
He said efforts are underway to connect another two to four hydropower projects to the national grid after necessary restoration work.
The move is expected to help maintain electricity supply during the winter when demand usually increases.
Task Force Formed to Prevent Winter Power Problems
Shrestha said the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation and the NEA have formed a task force to prepare measures for uninterrupted electricity supply during winter.
The task force will explore alternative energy options and develop plans to reduce possible risks to the power system.
The NEA chief said maintaining reliable and quality electricity services for citizens will remain a major focus of his leadership.
Sunkoshi-3 Project Study Committee Planned
Shrestha also announced that a separate committee will soon be formed to conduct a detailed design and engineering study of the Sunkoshi-3 Hydropower Project.
He said forming the committee would be among his first decisions after assuming office.
The study is expected to support further development planning for the large-scale hydropower project.
New NEA Chief Takes Charge
Shrestha assumed office after taking the oath of office and secrecy on Wednesday morning.
Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha administered the oath at the ministry.
The Cabinet meeting held on Ashoj 2 decided to appoint Dirghayukumar Shrestha as the Executive Director of the Nepal Electricity Authority.
Published 1 hour ago in Business