NEA to procure 1,200 transformers to manage power load amid rising demand

KATHMANDU: The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has initiated large-scale preparations to ensure stable electricity supply during the upcoming winter and summer seasons, prioritizing the procurement of 1,200 new transformers to address load management challenges.

According to the authority, 25/50 kVA capacity transformers are being procured to minimize technical disruptions and prevent shortages, particularly during peak demand periods when existing transformers are prone to overloading and failure.

Tackling Transformer Burnouts and Supply Disruptions

The NEA stated that rising electricity consumption during summer months has historically led to transformer burnouts and supply interruptions. To mitigate this, alongside new procurement, repair works on existing transformers are being carried out at full scale in maintenance centers located in Kathmandu, Hetauda, Nepalgunj, Butwal, and Janakpur.

In parallel, around 600 smart meters have already been installed within the distribution system. These devices enable real-time monitoring of transformer load, allowing for efficient load shifting and reducing the risk of system overload. Officials believe this will significantly cut down power outages linked to transformer failures.

Peak Demand to Hit 2,800 MW

The NEA projects that peak electricity demand this winter could reach 2,800 MW, up from 2,600 MW last year. Demand may surge further if more households shift to electric cooking due to potential LPG shortages.

To manage this, the authority is preparing a mix of domestic generation and imports. Key hydropower plants, including Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Project, Kaligandaki A Hydropower Station, Marsyangdi Hydropower Station, and Middle Marsyangdi Hydropower Station, with a combined 735 MW capacity, are being kept ready for partial reservoir-based operations.

Additionally, the Kulekhani Reservoir Hydropower Project will play a crucial role, taking total available reservoir-backed capacity to 841 MW for peak load management.

India Imports Remain Critical

To bridge supply gaps, Nepal continues to rely on electricity imports from India. Currently, around 300 MW is being imported daily, with approval to scale up to 1,080 MW.

Of this, 900 MW can be transmitted via the Dhalkebar-Muzaffarpur Transmission Line, while the remaining 180 MW is facilitated under the Power Exchange Committee (PEC) mechanism through other cross-border lines.

Officials note that while import capacity could technically reach up to 1,200 MW, India has indicated that from May onward, electricity exports to Nepal may be limited to solar hours only, potentially tightening supply during evening peak demand.

Strategic Push for Grid Stability

The NEA emphasized that a combination of infrastructure upgrades, smart monitoring systems, and diversified supply sources is essential to maintain grid stability as demand rises.

With electricity consumption patterns shifting and seasonal demand pressures intensifying, the authority’s proactive transformer procurement and system upgrades are seen as critical steps to prevent outages and sustain reliable power supply across Nepal.