The supply of electricity across the eastern and central region of Nepal has badly affected as Nepal Electricity Authority’s (NEA) distribution systems including Transmission lines, substations, powerhouse has incurred a big loss due to incessant rainfall of last few days.

The power supply in the eastern region including Biratnagar is completely cut off and there is frequent disruption in power supply in central region including in Kathmandu.

“We are doing our best to resume the power supply across the country. Our technical staffs have been actively working to restore the power system,” said Kul Man Ghishing, managing director of NEA.

“We have been unable to supply electricity to the eastern part of the country, as substations have been inundated by the floods, which has affected the transmission and distribution systems as well and pillar of transmission line collapsed or swept away by floods,” said Ghishing.

“It would take at least a week for the NEA to restore electricity supply to the eastern region once the water level recedes and maintenance works can be carried out,” said Ghishing.

As the floods have turned the lives of public topsy-turvy, the power demand has taken a dive due to disruptions of transmission lines. The power demand is now below one fourth as in normal days.

According to NEA press release, only two megawatts of electricity has been utilized through Lahan substation, against the normal demand of 36 megawatts. Likewise, NEA has supplied one megawatt of electricity through Dhalkebar substation against average demand of 35 megawatts; 1.5 megawatt supplied through Gaur, Haripur and Nijgadh substations against the normal demand of 32 megawatts; and seven megawatts have been supplied through Birgunj substation against average daily demand of 20 megawatts.

NEA, substations located at Duhabi of Sunsari, Damak and Anarmani of Jhapa have been inoperable due to floods since Friday morning. Likewise, tower number 17 of the Damak-Godhak 132 kV transmission line has collapsed, which has disrupted the supply of electricity generated by independent power producers in Ilam Similarly 66 kV tower near Hetauda Cement is close to collapse and power supply is disconnected on the feeder circuit no 1 of Hetauda substation. Likewise, Duhabi Substation, Damak Substation, Anarmani substation were submerged on water since Friday and they are complete shut down.

As the demands of electricity drastically reduce across the country, power stations are generating just a small amount of electricity. Out of 144 MW, Kaligandaki A is generation 100 MW; Middle Marsyangdi 70 is generating 25 MW only.

Similarly, 69 MW Marsyangdi is generating 25 MW. Similarly, Trishuli and Chilime are generating 7 MW each and Devighat is just 5 MW. The Gandak Powerhouse has remained shut due to the floods.

“This is a huge loss to NEA in terms of revenue as well as infrastructures,” said MD Ghishing.