Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) Executive Director Hitendra Dev Shakya has clarified that the recent power outages in Chitwan are not part of load shedding. Speaking to the media in Kathmandu on Sunday, Shakya said the electricity supply was temporarily halted due to maintenance and upgrades—not because of power shortages.
He explained that old conductors at the Chitwan substation are being replaced to handle increasing power demand. “The existing system couldn’t bear the load, so we had to upgrade it by changing the conductors,” Shakya said.
6-hour power cut for system upgrade
Despite NEA’s clarification, its Chanauli Distribution Center had released a public notice announcing a 6-hour daily power cut in areas supplied by the Narayani-Madi, Meghauli-Vijaynagar-Shukranagar, and Jagatpur-Rampur feeders. The center cited increased electricity usage for irrigation due to high temperatures and lack of rain as the reason for these scheduled outages.
The current 33 kV duck conductor from Bharatpur 132/33 kV substation cannot handle more than 300 amperes, but during peak usage, power flow has risen to 450 amperes, leading to overload issues.
To resolve this, a new 33 kV transmission line from Baseni substation is currently under construction and is expected to help meet the region’s growing power demands.
Update on unpaid dues issue
Meanwhile, Shakya also informed that the Administrative Review Committee formed to address disputes over unpaid bills for dedicated and trunk lines has received a 35-day extension. He warned that power supply would be disconnected if dues remain unpaid after the committee’s decision.
