Kathmandu- Industrialists are relieved as Nepal's industries now receive uninterrupted power, with India supplying electricity for five additional hours at night.
Previously, power disruptions forced industries to raise the prices of iron rods and cement. However, with a stable electricity supply ensured by the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), they are now preparing to lower prices.
Nepal's peak-hour electricity demand stands at 1,976 megawatts, while domestic generation from NEA subsidiaries and private sector companies totals 1,430 megawatts.
To bridge the 600-megawatt shortfall, the government has begun importing electricity from India during nighttime hours. Until recently, India supplied power only during solar hours, but since last Thursday, it has extended supply from 11 PM to 4 AM.
Former FNCCI president and Arghakhanchi Cement investor Pashupati Murarka stated that industrialists now feel relieved as the government ensures a stable supply. While industries have been advised to limit heavy electricity usage between 5 PM and 11 PM, they can operate normally at other times.
With the Indian Energy Exchange supplying an additional 600 megawatts at night, the 12-hour industrial load-shedding has ended.
NEA spokesperson Rajabhai Shilpakar confirmed that while electricity supply was stable during solar hours, nighttime imports from India have significantly improved the situation. He added that as snowmelt increases in the coming months, reliance on imported electricity will decrease.
Concerns about potential load-shedding arose when Hitendra Dev Shakya was appointed NEA’s Managing Director. However, the import of 600 megawatts from India, transmitted via the Dhalkebar-Muzaffarpur line, has stabilized the power supply.
The Nepal Cement Manufacturers’ Association, along with thread and iron rod producers, has expressed gratitude to the government for resolving the power crisis. They highlighted that industries previously suffered up to 12-hour daily outages, which increased costs, reduced production capacity, and negatively impacted employment and exports.
The Federation of Nepal Export Association (FNEA) also welcomed the government's efforts, emphasizing that uninterrupted electricity supply will enhance industrial productivity and exports. In a press statement, the FNEA noted that past load-shedding had hindered the manufacturing of export-oriented goods, reducing revenue and tax income, ultimately affecting the national economy.
With stable power, thread manufacturers and other industrialists are optimistic about business growth. They urge the government to continue ensuring a 24/7 electricity supply to create a favorable industrial environment and support economic development.
