10th September 2025, Kathmandu
The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has reported that ongoing political unrest and the resulting curfews have led to power supply disruptions in Kathmandu and other parts of the country.
NEA Confirms Damage
The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has reported that ongoing political unrest and the resulting curfews have led to power supply disruptions in Kathmandu and other parts of the country. This is due to damage to critical electricity infrastructure, which has forced the authority to shut down several feeders to prevent further issues.
Infrastructure Damage and Maintenance Challenges
In an official statement, the NEA confirmed that the recent instability has caused significant damage to its power distribution systems. This includes partial damage to transmission and distribution lines and associated structures, which has resulted in frequent power outages and an unstable electricity supply. While the authority has initiated repair and maintenance efforts, these activities are being severely hampered by the current environment. The primary challenge is the government-imposed curfews and restrictions on movement, which make it difficult for technical teams, engineers, and utility vehicles to reach affected areas. As a result, many field offices and stations are operating at a reduced capacity, slowing down the restoration of normal power supply. The NEA has appealed to government agencies and security forces for assistance, requesting safe passage and operational flexibility for its maintenance crews.
Impact on the Public and Economy
The disruptions to the power supply are adding to the difficulties already being experienced by the public and various sectors of the economy. For ordinary households, the frequent power cuts affect daily life, including access to essential services and online information, especially given the existing restrictions on social media. The interruptions are also having a significant impact on small businesses that rely on a continuous power supply for operations like refrigeration and internet connectivity. Moreover, the lack of a stable power supply poses a serious risk to hospitals and healthcare services, which need consistent electricity to operate medical equipment. This situation underscores the fragility of Nepal’s infrastructure and its vulnerability to political instability. The power disruptions are part of a broader economic fallout that includes the suspension of the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE), the closure of financial institutions, and interruptions in airline operations.
Protecting Strategic Infrastructure
The damage to the electricity infrastructure highlights the pressing need to protect strategic public utilities during times of political crisis. Experts warn that targeted or accidental damage to power grids could leave large parts of the population without electricity for extended periods, creating further chaos and hindering recovery efforts. Furthermore, sustained instability could delay ongoing energy projects, such as hydropower plants and transmission line expansions, which are crucial for Nepal’s long-term energy security. The NEA’s public appeal for support and its communication through a hotline (1950) and Nolight Service Centers demonstrate its commitment to managing the crisis and keeping the public informed. However, the authority’s ability to restore full service will depend heavily on the government’s capacity to restore law and order and ensure the safety of technical teams working on the ground.
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