Despite Gas Shortages, Trust in Electric Stoves Remains Low; Nepal Electricity Authority Plans Dual-source Power Supply
Although shortages of essential LPG for cooking are increasing, consumers remain skeptical of electric stoves, while officials from the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) emphasize extensive efforts to improve power transmission and distribution quality.
Despite adequate electricity generation during the monsoon season, the adoption of electric stoves has not grown as expected, raising ongoing concerns about power quality and supply reliability.
About a decade ago, Nepal experienced widespread power outages, but now during the monsoon, electricity production exceeds domestic consumption. Still, consumers remain hesitant to cook solely on electric stoves even without load shedding, which poses a significant challenge.
Officials state that the authority is committed to addressing these challenges.
“We have prioritized ensuring dependable availability of electricity distribution so that consumers can confidently switch to electric stoves,” said Dhirajyukumar Shrestha, Acting Executive Director of the Authority.
Consumer Concerns
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has disrupted gas supply chains to Nepal.
Although the government repeatedly urges increased domestic electricity usage, consumer rights activists highlight persistent concerns regarding electricity quality that prevent trust in electric stoves.
Bimala Khanal, Chairperson of Consumer Eye Nepal, says she has long advocated for improvements in electricity quality.
“Lines frequently trip, voltage often falls below the standard, and transformers face issues. If the government wishes, these are not insurmountable problems,” she explained.
According to the Authority’s data, domestic electricity consumption grew by just about 13% in the last fiscal year.
Nepal has been exporting surplus electricity to India and Bangladesh while domestic consumption remains limited. Hence, improving quality and reliability is critical to increasing local demand.
Former NEA Executive Director Hitendra Dev Shakya commented, “Although this work started this fiscal year, full expansion will take time. This is a gradual process.”
Authority’s Plan
Image source: NEA
According to Acting Executive Director Shrestha, the Authority plans to focus on improving the quality of the transmission network in the current fiscal year.
“We have recently invested heavily in transmission; now the focus is on providing consumers with reliable, high-quality power,” he said. “Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha has also emphasized the importance of quality electricity supply.”
The distribution level voltage improvement project will cover 33 kV and lower 11 kV distribution lines.
“Plans include shortening long 11 kV feeders exiting substations, building 33 kV substations at various locations, and enabling power supply to the same area from two or three sources. These are currently under study,” he added.
“Our current system is radial, meaning if a tree falls in a forested area it takes a long time to repair. To improve this, each line will have an alternative power source,” Shrestha explained. “We call this an ‘N-minus-1’ system, where if one source fails, power is supplied from another. Some countries even have an ‘N-minus-2’ system.”
A radial system typically transmits power in one direction from a substation without alternative lines.
“The major drawback is that the entire line must be shut down for repairs. With alternative lines installed, only small areas will need power cuts during maintenance,” he noted. “We plan to focus heavily on these aspects.”
Former Executive Director Shakya emphasized that the pace of such improvements depends on the Authority’s priorities. “Until now, our focus was on electrification and extending lines to remote areas, but we did not invest sufficiently in areas where lines frequently trip.”
“Initially, improvements will focus on major cities and key industrial zones, with gradual expansion to outer areas later,” he said.
Additional Improvements
The Authority notes that power outages are largely linked to natural events. During storms and monsoon, tree branches frequently obstruct feeders causing disruptions.
Some interruptions are also caused by operational issues that temporarily halt electricity supply.
“Technically, 11 kV lines should not exceed 10-15 kilometers before a substation is required. However, we have lines extending up to 100 kilometers,” Shrestha explained, “We plan improvements accordingly.”
For urban areas, the concept of smart meters and automation has been introduced to ensure reliable power, along with plans to substantially increase the number of transformers to address voltage issues.
These developments require significant budgets, combining internal resources with support from foreign partners. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is currently working to upgrade the Kathmandu Valley’s distribution system.
Shrestha noted that old 11 kV switching stations in areas such as Thapathali, Mahaboudha, and Sundhara in Kathmandu will be replaced with structures capable of 132 kV.
The government has allocated NPR 8.554 billion in the current fiscal year for energy production, transmission, and distribution line construction.
“We plan to more than double last year’s investment in transmission lines,” Shrestha added.
Expected Outcomes
Experts in the energy sector believe if these improvement projects are implemented on time, there will be a significant shift in consumer energy usage. While not all consumers may shift to electric stoves, a substantial number could be encouraged.
Shakya pointed out that studies identify reliability issues as a major reason for stagnant consumption. For example, consumers in Salakhal experience power outages for up to 500 hours annually. Due to this, even during gas shortages, many prefer to stay with gas stoves rather than switch to electric ones.
Khanal says consumer confidence will grow if the Authority’s plans are executed promptly.
“There have been longstanding questions about quality. Though authorities claim it’s a priority, implementation is lacking. Greater sensitivity is required,” she stated.
Shrestha noted that the number of electric stove users has grown, especially in urban areas where many use both gas and induction stoves.
“Many households in Kathmandu have this setup, but power quality has not yet allowed full reliance on induction cooktops,” he said. “In my home, gas has not been entirely removed, but increased electricity use means a cylinder that previously lasted one and a half months now empties only after four to five months.”