Energy Minister pledges sufficient power supply in two years

Rupandehi, Sept 5: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Pampha Bhusal has promised that the entire household would be provided with sufficient electricity within the next two years.

"At the moment, around 95 per cent of houses are electrified and the full coverage will be complete within a couple of years." She said. Inaugurating the 232 kV double-circuit Butwal-Lumbini transmission line at Mainhiya of Rupandehi today, the Minister insisted on the mass use of electoral devices from irrigation to transport sectors. She urged the people to opt for electric motor vehicles. "We plan to increase power consumption in each area and export the surpluses to India and Bangladesh."     

At present, Nepal has supplied 400- MW of electricity to India and plans to supply 50-MW to Bangladesh as well, according to the Minister who on the occasion informed that a heavy discount (75 per cent) has been ensured on electricity tariffs in the irrigation sector.     

She also said that with the operation of the Butwal-Lumbini transmission line, the power supply for the industrial sector in the area would meet the demand. The Minister also thanked the project officials and contractors for completing the project within the deadline.     

The Ministry Secretary, Sushil Chandra Tiwari said the government adopts a policy of increasing internal power consumption and exporting surpluses to downsize the country's ballooning trade deficit.     

On the occasion, Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) managing director Kulman Ghising said the transmission line remained a project of high significance for the area.     

The nation currently earned two billion Indian rupees per month from the power trade, according to him.     

The completion of the 18-kilometre Butwal-Lumbini transmission line has the capacity of transmitting around 200 MW of electricity.     

On the occasion, the Minister also inaugurated the 132/11/19 kV Mainhaniya substation. (RSS)