NEA’ s new Managing Director Faces Challenges from Power Distribution to its Consumption

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NEA’ s new Managing Director Faces Challenges from Power Distribution to its Consumption

This image taken from Facebook shows newly-appointed MD of Nepal Electricity Authority Hitendra Dev Shakya.

February 12: The government has appointed Hitendra Dev Shakya as the managing director of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) for a four-year term.

Shakya is considered as an experienced hand for the post but experts say his tenure is full of challenges.

Experts are of the view that building transmission lines and increasing energy consumption are the major concerns at the moment. Due to NEA’s inefficacy in completing Solu, Koshi, Trishuli transmission lines on time, energy production of 20 projects of those areas has been affected.

As far as energy consumption is concerned, Shakya will primarily be having difficult time during the monsoon season. Hydropower projects produce energy in excess during the monsoon. Likewise, 456 megawatt Upper Tamakoshi project and other private hydropower projects will be completed soon. In this context, Shakya will face challenge of increasing power consumption, says Krishna Prasad Acharya, president of the Independent Power Producers’ Association of Nepal (IPPAN). “The newly appointed MD should focus on building transmission lines, distribution system, substation, expansion of infrastructure and increasing power consumption within the country,” Acharya added.

Energy epxert Gyanendra Lal Pradhan says new measures are required to bring changes in energy consumption. NEA should work on increasing power consumption in the industrial sector, suggests Pradhan. Most of the industries are still without power and running on diesel.

Shakya has other challenge of completing hydropower projects and transmission lines.  Solu corridor, Koshi corridor, Trishuli corridor, Kushma- Butwal transmission line, Hetauda-Dhalkebar transmission line are yet to be completed. Shakya also has the responsibility to complete the most-awaited Upper Tamakoshi, Tanahu Seti storage, Middle Bhotekoshi, Rasuwagadhi hydropower projects.

Shakya has succeeded former MD Kulman Ghishing, who earned a huge respect from the public for removing power cuts. Shakya faces an uphill battle to earn same kind of public image. Shakya himself accepts he has various kinds of challenges in days to come. He has plans to work accordingly to increase power access to 100% from the current 86%. 

 “Incomplete transmission lines will be completed and generated power will be connected to the national grid. At present, NEA has signed Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with 5000 MW projects. I will work to increase energy consumption within the country and also work on exporting energy to minimize trade deficit,” Shakya said.

 

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