539 local levels fully electrified; 99% citizens having access to power: NEA

Out of a total of 753 local levels,  539  have been completely electrified, while the remaining 196 have been partially illuminated. To date, 18 local levels have not yet been connected to the national grid. However, they have access to electricity generated by micro-hydropower projects and solar plants.

According to the electrification data from 2081 BS (2024) provided by the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), 99 percent of the total population has access to electricity. This data is based on a comprehensive study that covers up to the ward level.

The number of electricity customers stands at 5.935 million. Of those with access to electricity, 97 percent use electricity supplied through the national grid, while the remaining 3 percent rely on alternative sources.

A total of 590 local levels have been electrified between 95 to 100 percent, 72 local levels have achieved 75-95 percent electrification, 33 local levels have 50-75 percent, 26 local levels have 26-50 percent, and 32 local levels have up to 25 percent electrification.

NEA Managing Director Kulman Ghising stated that efforts are being focused on implementing the government's commitment to ensuring reliable and quality electricity for all within the current fiscal year. He noted that during the fiscal year 2072-73 BS, the total electrification rate was just 58 percent, which has now reached 99 percent, marking significant progress. He also mentioned that the NEA is working to identify and connect households in remote areas that still lack electricity. "We are prioritizing providing quality services to areas with existing access to electricity and are dedicated to connecting those areas that currently do not have NEA services," he said.

Efforts are being made to illuminate the homes of all citizens in the mountainous and hilly districts of the geographically challenging Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces within a year. The NEA has selected contractors and has already begun electrification work in the hilly districts of Lumbini, Karnali, and Sudurpaschim provinces, funded by a soft loan of 220 million USD provided by the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the European Investment Bank (EIB).

Managing Director Ghising mentioned that efforts are also being made to extend access to electricity in other regions through government investment and by allocating a portion of the Authority's earnings.

Among the seven provinces, Madhes Province has achieved 100 percent electrification, while Koshi has 99.30 percent, Bagmati 99.97 percent, Gandaki 99.40 percent, and Lumbini 98.49 percent electrification. Karnali Province has the lowest electrification rate at 74.38 percent, and Sudurpaschim Province has 86.58 percent electrification.

Out of the 77 districts in the country, only Humla is not connected to the national grid. Power supply to Humla is provided by micro-hydropower projects and solar energy.

Fifty-six out of the 77 districts have achieved between 95 to 100 percent electrification, 10 districts have 75 to 95 percent, five districts have 50 to 75 percent, and six districts have between 25 to 50 percent electrification.

All 14 districts of Koshi Province, except Solukhumbu and Sankhuwasabha, have over 95 percent electrification. Solukhumbu has 89.04 percent electrification, and Sankhuwasabha has 93.99 percent. Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, and Dhankuta districts have 100 percent electrification.

All eight districts of Madhes Province have been fully electrified. In Bagmati Province, Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Ramechhap, Nuwakot, and Chitwan have achieved 100 percent electrification, while the remaining districts have over 95 percent electrification.

In Gandaki Province, Tanahu, Syangja, Parbat, and Kaski districts are fully electrified. Manang district has 87.81 percent electrification, and the remaining districts have over 95 percent electrification.

In Lumbini Province, the lowest electrification rate is in Rukum East at 32.24 percent, and Rolpa at 85 percent. Nawalparasi, Rupandehi, Kapilvastu, Arghakhanchi, Gulmi, and Bardiya have 100 percent electrification, while the remaining districts have over 95 percent electrification.

In Karnali Province, Rukum West has the highest electrification rate at 95.8 percent, while Mugu has the lowest at 31.80 percent. Surkhet has 86.48 percent, Dailekh 81.05 percent, Salyan 79.50 percent, Jajarkot 49.80 percent, Kalikot 70.96 percent, Jumla 62.47 percent, Dolpa 42.75 percent, and Humla 32.51 percent electrification.

According to the NEA, out of the nine districts in Sudurpaschim Province, Kanchanpur and Kailali have achieved 100 percent electrification. Bajura has 33.51 percent electrification, Dadeldhura 94.08 percent, Doti 88.04 percent, Achham 65.97 percent, Baitadi 61.73 percent, Bajhang 69.03 percent, and Darchula 84.01 percent electrification.