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The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has officially launched the use of ‘live-line’ technology, successfully testing a system that allows maintenance work to be carried out on energized 11 kV distribution lines without interrupting electricity supply.

With the objective of providing consumers with continuous, reliable, and high-quality electricity service, the NEA has begun implementing the technology through its Lumbini Provincial Office. The technology was inaugurated in the presence of NEA Acting Managing Director Dirghayu Kumar Shrestha.

According to Navaraj Ojha, Deputy Executive Director of the Distribution and Consumer Services Directorate, a trained technical team successfully conducted maintenance work on an 11 kV line at Kalikanagar, Butwal Sub-Metropolitan City-11, without shutting down the power supply.

Ojha stated that the authority is introducing modern live-line technology to minimize power outages required for maintenance and ensure uninterrupted service to consumers. He added that the successful test has now developed the technical capability to safely perform maintenance on energized lines.

Acting Managing Director Shrestha said that although the technology has currently been tested on a pilot basis, it could significantly reduce the need to cut electricity supply during maintenance in the future, depending on technical feasibility. He informed that, following an evaluation of its effectiveness, the technology will gradually be expanded to major urban distribution lines.

Manoj Kumar Yadav, Chief of the Lumbini Provincial Office, described the introduction of the technology as a significant achievement in the campaign to provide uninterrupted electricity service to consumers.

The event was also attended by Anil Banjade, Chief of the Butwal Grid Division, along with chiefs of various distribution centers and project offices.

According to the NEA, wider implementation of live-line technology is expected to substantially reduce power outages during maintenance and repair works, improve service reliability, and ensure uninterrupted electricity supply for consumers.

Nepalpurbadhar