Electricity from the national transmission grid has reached the Tilicho Lake Base Camp, a popular tourist destination in Manang, and Thorong La Pass. With the connection to the national transmission line, the dependency on solar energy has been eliminated.

Managing Director of the Authority, Kulman Ghising, informed that electricity supply has started at the base camp located at an altitude of 4,250 meters in Khangsar, Manang, Ward No. 9, by installing a 50 kVA capacity distribution transformer.

Ward Chairperson of Ngisyang Rural Municipality-9, Chyolpa Gurung, stated that the arrival of the national transmission line has made things much easier. He said, “With the national line reaching here, it has become convenient for trekkers heading to Tilicho Lake from the base camp, as well as for the locals. Electricity usage has increased; we have even started using electricity to boil water, which has reduced the consumption of gas.”

The Nepal Electricity Authority has stated that, as part of its campaign to illuminate religious and tourist areas, it has extended electricity from the national transmission line to the Tilicho Lake Base Camp.

The 33 kV transmission line from the Radhi Small Hydropower Station substation in Ghermu, Marsyangdi Rural Municipality-5, Lamjung, has reached the 33/11 kV substation in Syarkyu, Chame Rural Municipality-1. From this substation, an 11 kV line has been extended through the district headquarters, Chame, to the base camp, according to the Nepal Electricity Authority.

The Authority is operating the 45-kilowatt Chame Small Hydropower Plant and the 80-kilowatt Manang Small Hydropower Plant to supply electricity in Manang. During interruptions caused by tripping of the national transmission line, electricity is generated and supplied through these small hydropower plants, according to Raju Mahato, the head of the Manang Distribution Center of the Authority.

Under the Marsyangdi Corridor 220 kV Transmission Line Project, a 220 kV capacity substation has been completed in Dharapani, Nasong Rural Municipality-1, Manang. Electricity is now being supplied from there, which will improve the electricity supply in Manang.

Source: Kantipur