Tihar, which is also popularly known as the festival of lights and flowers, begins from next week and is celebrated for five days. The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has assured that the electricity supply will be smooth and no household needs to face the problem of power cut during the entire festive period. The consumption of electricity is usually high during Tihar, especially in the three days from Laxmi Puja. Therefore the authority has informed that the necessary works has been done to ensure uninterrupted power supply during the festival.
The Executive director of NEA, Mr. Kul Man Ghising said that Power supply management is often challenging during Tihar but the people do not have to worry this year as NEA is committed to supplying necessary power during Tihar this year.
NEA is able to sustain electricity demand of almost 1,000 megawatts while the power demand during Tihar often reaches 1,300 megawatts, as per the existing capacity. In a bid to fill the demand-supply gap of electricity during Tihar, the power utility is also preparing to import almost 200 megawatts of electricity from India if necessary. The demand for electricity during Tihar last year stood at 1,250 megawatts while in 2017 the demand was 1,350 megawatts. However, as industries remain closed during Tihar and a major quantum of power is consumed in households.
Ghising also said that NEA is also looking ways to manage the demand through local production for the festival. He is taking the responsibility to ensure a smooth electricity supply during Tihar. NEA has also advised the public, especially in Kathmandu Valley to consume electricity wisely during the festival.
Source: The Himalayan Times
