The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) is preparing to operate the Sanjen Hydropower Plant in ‘isolated mode’ to restore electricity supply in Rasuwa, one of the districts most severely affected by the devastating Bhotekoshi–Trishuli flood.
The district has faced widespread power disruption since Wednesday’s disaster. To address the situation, the NEA is working on disconnecting the local electricity system from the national transmission grid and supplying power generated by the Sanjen Hydropower Plant directly to affected areas.
According to the NEA, the necessary technical preparations and coordination are underway to operate the plant in isolated mode and distribute locally generated electricity within Rasuwa.
However, technical support is required to reset the password of equipment needed to connect the electricity generated by the Sanjen Hydropower Plant to the local distribution system. The Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation is coordinating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the concerned Chinese company to secure the necessary technical assistance.
According to the secretariat of Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha, the government aims to restore electricity supply in Dhunche and surrounding areas by this evening, provided the required technical support is received on time.
For other flood-affected areas that cannot be immediately reconnected to the national grid, preparations are underway to provide electricity through alternative sources, including solar energy, with support from the Alternative Energy Promotion Center.
The NEA said it has adopted a dual strategy of mobilizing alternative energy sources to meet immediate electricity needs while simultaneously repairing flood-damaged power infrastructure to restore regular electricity services.
