Electricity Access Boosts Income for Women in Madhes Region
Summary: The SASEC Energy Transmission and Distribution System Strengthening Project has brought electricity to women and marginalized communities in Madhes Province, helping to economically empower them. The project not only delivers electricity but also provides training to create entrepreneurship and income opportunities for women, as explained by Dagny Myhr, the Norwegian Ambassador. Supported by Norway and the Asian Development Bank, the initiative aims to foster energy self-reliance and contribute to combating climate change. Kathmandu, 10 Jestha.
Kalyanidevi Chaudhary from Chandrapur-6 in Rautahat used to rely on farming for her livelihood in an area without electricity. She has now shifted to commercial animal husbandry, raising dairy cows and buffaloes and selling their milk and manure. She is also involved in other agricultural activities, with all family members contributing to the household income. Similarly, Niki Chaudhary from Lahan, Siraha, has transformed from a non-farmer of vegetables into an entrepreneur who now sells produce at local markets, significantly increasing her earnings.
The SASEC Energy Transmission and Distribution System Strengthening Project, jointly implemented by the Asian Development Bank, Norwegian Government, and Nepal Electricity Authority, goes beyond just connecting electricity to Madhes Province’s women and marginalized communities, including Karnali, by supporting entrepreneurship. The project integrates training with electricity supply to create opportunities for business expansion, resulting in positive transformations in the lives of beneficiaries like Kalyani and Niki. Norwegian Ambassador to Nepal Dagny Myhr highlighted how this project illustrates the benefits electricity access brings to communities in Madhes.
Beyond building physical infrastructure such as wires and substations, the SASEC electricity project also advances a Joint Campaign (JC) aimed at economically empowering marginalized women and communities. This JC project, financed with a grant of $3.5 million from the Norwegian Government and $600,000 from ADB, primarily focuses on Madhes Province. According to ADB, this technical support has had a notably positive impact on women and disadvantaged groups in Madhes.
“Simply providing electricity is not enough; it must be linked with skills and market access,” explained Arno Koswans, ADB Nepal Director. The project supports women in launching energy-based small enterprises. They are confident that this initiative plays a crucial role in making Nepal self-reliant in energy, reducing carbon emissions, and addressing climate change challenges. Linking electricity access with skills and investment has led to tangible improvements in rural livelihoods.
The promotion of electric stoves has also helped improve the health of rural women and reduced reliance on fossil fuels. Dheerajkumar Shrestha, Executive Director of Nepal Electricity Authority, noted that the program has assisted the authority in becoming a socially responsible institution rather than just a technical body. The successes and lessons learned in Madhes are planned to be expanded to Karnali Province. With support from Norway and the European Union, the upcoming transmission and distribution program in Karnali will be based on the JC model, according to ADB and the Authority.
Nepal aims to raise per capita electricity consumption to 1,500 units by 2035. Such projects help increase electricity demand while also stimulating the local economy, said Chiranjeevi Chatout, Secretary at the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation. He added, “The Government of Nepal is committed to providing sustainable and reliable electric service.” The SASEC Energy Transmission and Distribution System Strengthening Project focuses primarily on improving the electricity supply system in Kathmandu Valley, Bharatpur, Pokhara, and Madhes Province. Strengthening and modernizing electricity infrastructure is ongoing in Madhes, with modernization efforts also underway in Kathmandu Valley. The project is accelerating the installation of over 50 electric vehicle charging stations nationwide, keeping environmental sustainability in mind. Asian Development Bank has extended approximately 200 million USD (around 30 billion NPR) in concessional loans along with a $600,000 grant for the project. Norway has provided a $3.5 million loan, while the Government of Nepal and Nepal Electricity Authority have jointly invested 870 million NPR as counterpart funds.