Nepal Electricity Authority Research Articles

Consumer’s satisfaction towards service delivery of Nepal Electricity Authority: (A case study of Kuleshwor branch)

Consumer satisfaction is fulfillment of consumer need, desires and expectation from their service provider. Now days, organization are trying to fulfill the consumer expectation and they are taking consumer satisfaction as primary goal of their organization. Main objective of present research article is to assess the consumer satisfaction towards maintenance service ,new consumer service ,meter reading service and revenue payment service provided by Nepal Electricity Authority, Kuleshwor branch. This study follows descriptive and analytical research design. Primary data has used in this study. The population for this study is all the consumer of Kuleshwor branch and fifty consumers taken as sample for this study. Questionnaire is the main tools of data collection. For the collection of data five point Likert’s scale has used. Mean, standard deviation and variance have been used as main statistical tool for analysis of data. From this research it is concluded that that overall satisfaction of consumers towards service delivery of NEA Kuleshwor branch is satisfactory but not best.

Effect of Logo Change on Brand Attitude: A Case Study of Mahindra at Nepal Electricity Authority

Rebranding, mainly through logo changes, has gained traction in the automobile industry as a response to evolving customer preferences. However, the impact of such corporate actions on brand attitude remains a complex and underexplored area. This study delves into corporate rebranding nuances, focusing on logo change and its effects on consumer brand attitude. Drawing from a theoretical framework, the study hypothesised that logo appropriateness, familiarity, and attractiveness positively influenced brand attitude. This study employed a descriptive and explanatory research design, focusing on Mahindra drivers of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) as the target population. Data were collected through a primary survey using a structured questionnaire, resultingin 152 responses. The results, essential to brand managers and marketing professionals, revealed a positive influence of logo appropriateness and attractiveness on brand attitude. In contrast, logo familiarity did not significantly impact it. Overall, the findings underscore the importance of a well-designed logo that aligns with the brand's core values. Such a logo can significantly enhance consumer perceptions and foster positive relationships. Therefore, brand managers should prioritise logo design that resonates with their identity and values, particularly during rebranding efforts, to maintain a strong brand image among consumers.

Consumer's satisfaction towards service delivery of Nepal Electricity Authority: (A case study of Kuleshwor branch)

Consumer's satisfaction towards service delivery of Nepal Electricity Authority: (A case study of Kuleshwor branch)

Effect of Working Environment on Job Satisfaction of Employees in Nepal Electricity Authority

Organization is facing several challenges due to the dynamic nature of the environment in this modern era. The major challenge for a business is to satisfy its employees in order to cope up with the ever changing and evolving environment and to achieve success and remain in competition. The business must satisfy the needs of its employee to increase the efficiency, effectiveness, productivity and job commitment by providing good working conditions. The aim of this research is to examine the effect of working environment on employee job satisfaction. This research employed a quantitative methodology. The required data were collected through a self-administered survey questionnaire. The target populations are the employees of Nepal Electricity Authority and only 108 employees were taken as sample using convenience sampling method. The result indicates that there is positive relationship between working environment and job satisfaction. The study also concludes that with some brief prospects that the businesses need to realize the importance of good working environment for maximizing the level of job satisfaction. This research may benefit to society by encouraging people to contribute more to their jobs and may help them in their personal growth and development. Hence, it is essential for an organization to motivate their employees tow work hard for achieving the organizational objectives and goals.

Impact Study of the Hetauda-Dhalkewar-Inaruwa Transmission Line on the Operation of Integrated Nepal Power System

Despite Nepal’s abundant hydroelectric resources, a substantial disparity exists between its electricity supply and demand. This discrepancy is exacerbated by the absence of high-voltage transmission lines, hindering efficient power evacuation from a handful of generating plants. This not only incurs financial losses for the utility but also compromises the reliability of the power supply. A prime example is the protracted delay in the construction of the 576 KM long Hetauda-Dhalkebar-Inaruwa 400kV double-circuit Transmission Line, primarily due to challenges posed by local residents unwilling to relinquish their land.The Integrated Nepal Power System (INPS) heavily relies on power generation concentrated in the central mid-hills region. The construction of the Hetauda-Dhalkebar-Inaruwa (HDITL) 400kV double-circuit Transmission Line is crucial for routing power to industrialize these areas, potentially bolstering the national GDP and generating employment opportunities. Furthermore, it is essential to connect the current hydropower output of around 2300 MW to the INPS system via a high-voltage transmission line to maximize its utilization. The HDITL project not only reduces line losses but also enhances grid stability. It facilitates energy export and direct transmission of high-generation power, such as the 456 MW from Upper Tamakoshi, thus saving approximately 400 MW of power and preventing losses for both the Government of Nepal (GoN) and the Nepal Electricity Authority. This research not only calculates the reduction in power and energy losses with the commissioning of HDITL but also assesses its monetary benefits. Utilizing INPS data and Digsilent Power Factory 15.1 for power flow analysis, the study estimates that HDITL can prevent a power loss of about 26.276 MW. Furthermore, it demonstrates that HDITL significantly improves the total generation power factor in INPS, from 0.88 to 0.99, and enhances the voltage profile, underscoring its critical role in Nepal’s energy infrastructure development.

Power quality monitoring and analysis of aerodrome supply system: A study in Gautam Buddha International Airport, Nepal

The power supply system may contain disturbances leading to variations in voltage and frequency from their nominal value, non-sinusoidal waveform injection, presence of negative and zero sequence components, etc. Power quality is a measure of characteristic disturbances present in the power supply which ensures the importance of quality of service and consumer requirements. Electrical equipment installed in an aerodrome is more sensitive and prone to disturbance present at the power supply end. This study provides results of a theoretical power flow study, power quality monitoring, quality analysis, and probable remedies for power quality issues in an aerodrome electrical supply system in Nepal. Power quality measurement for supply from the utility here, Nepal Electricity Authority, and internal power generations in Gautam Buddha International Airport (GBIA) Siddharthanagar, Rupandehi, Nepal is performed by using theoretical load flow approach and continuous monitoring using a power data analyzer. The scope and origin of various disturbances which may induce power quality issues are analyzed. It is observed that the power supply at GBIA has voltage fluctuations of about ±12% and total voltage harmonic distortion of 6.5% with the presence of negative and zero sequence components. A remedial solution for the power quality problem is proposed for future enhancement of the electrical supply system at GBIA.

Distribution Loss Analysis of NEA, Nepal

Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) is facing the problems in supply chain of electricity that causes the loss of energy which results in loss of economy. NEA has planned to extend the distribution network throughout the country so that every household can have access of Electrical Energy (EE) by 2023. NEA is also working in the sector of maximizing the sales in order to increase its revenue. In order to achieve such goals NEA must enhance its distribution system infrastructure. In this article, distribution losses are to be analyzed for enhancing and upgradation of existing electrical network if any. Some of the electrical components that cause electrical loss in distribution sector are also to be analyzed. This helps on determination of causes of losses. As NEA is importing electrical energy from India, consumer’s sales energy should be analyzed. At present calibration of area specific electricity consumption pattern that too on Time of Day (TOD) basis is not possible. This research paper will determine the process that helps in identifying area specific consumption pattern thus aid operators in laying reliable supply chain infrastructure to meet the demand of electricity. Electrical loss to be minimized by enhancing distribution network as per consumer demand.

The Potential for Rooftop Photovoltaic Systems in Nepal

Nepal possesses a good solar resource, and there has been increasing interest in the use of photovoltaic systems. About 1.1 million solar home systems, rated at nearly 30 MWp, have been installed across Nepal. With the introduction of net metering by the Nepal Electricity Authority, an increase in rooftop photovoltaics (RPV) is expected. However, to inform any policy developments around increased electricity generation, and the uptake of RPV, there is a need to quantify the potential of such systems (a situation mirrored in many developing countries). To this end, this study utilized a hierarchical geospatial technique based on open-source data to estimate the potential output from RPV in several cities in Nepal (Kathmandu, Pokhara, Butwal, Nepalgunj, and Biratnagar). It was found that the potential theoretical output of RPV ranged from 637 GWh per annum, in Kathmandu, to 50 GWh per annum in Butwal. Moreover, the total RPV potential from urban households of Nepal was estimated to be in the order 6.5 TWh per annum. As such, the findings of this paper can be used to make informed policy decisions about the future of Nepal’s energy mix.

EMPLOYEE PARTICIPATION IN DECISION-MAKING: A COMPARATIVE STUDY ON PERCEPTION OF EMPLOYEES AND EMPLOYERS IN NEPALESE ENTERPRISES

There is much debate as to whether employees should be participated or not in the decision-making process. This study examined the status of employee participation in decision-making using Government-Owned Enterprises namely Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), a corporate office located in Kathmandu, and privately run industry, Bira Furniture within Patan Industrial Estate located in Lalitpur, Nepal, as a case study. The study employed qualitative research for empirical investigation. Interviews, Focus Group Discussions (FGD), and observation were used for primary data collection. A purposive sampling method was applied. The study used thematic analysis of data. Lower-level employees have also adequate rights in their workplace decision-making at the head office of NEA. However, high-level decision-making power rest in top-level management. Most of the decisions are made based on rules, by-laws, and procedures. By nature, almost all functions are performed based on teamwork. Even though the employer/manager of the Bira Factory argues that workers have sufficient engagement in the workplace decision-making process, the great majority of workers express a lack of such opportunity in the factory. This finding implies that employees or workers in the public sector are more involved in decisionmaking than those in the private sector. The researcher suggests that managers should participate with employees in the decision-making process in the present time of industrial democracy.

Problem Identification and Condition Monitoring status of Nepalese Power Plants

Condition monitoring is the process of detecting faults in machine components with the help of measurement & analysis of pre identified parameters in a hydro power plant. This paper presents the different problems identified in the selected hydropower plants owned by Nepal Electricity Authority. The power plants have been selected on the basis of type of turbines and total power output. They include all types of turbines that has been in use in Nepal i.e., Pelton, Francis and Bulb turbines. Similarly, they have been selected in accordance to power output i.e., from 1 MW to 144 MW. The questionnaire has been developed and surveyed for the identification of problems in these hydropower plants as well as status of measurement devices. The paper presents the status of different measurement processes, instruments and sensors being used in the selected hydropower plants. The paper further presents possibly of condition monitoring and fault detection process that can be implied in these power plants.

Effect of Motivation on Employee Performance: A Case Study of Nepal Electricity Authority

The objective of the study is to assess the relationship between Employee Motivation and Employee Performance (EP). In this study, the researcher adopted a descriptive research design. The primary data was collected from the managerial and operating level employees at the head office of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) through a structured questionnaire using Five Point Likert Scale. The study used a quantitative research design and applied stratified and judgmental sampling techniques combinedly. The total number of populations from NEA was 566. The sample size of the study was 181 employees. However, 300 questionnaires were distributed considering the pandemic of COVID-19 and sampling error. Reliability tests were computed in this study. Reliability was ascertained by calculating Cronbach’s Alpha from the pilot study. Data were analyzed based on descriptive and inferential statistics. Means and standard deviation and correlation and regression analysis were used for data analysis. The model summary indicates that the model has not sufficient power to fit the given data set in the multiple linear regression model. ANOVA indicates the statistical and significant prediction of the outcome variable in the regression model. Since the p-value is less than the significance level, there is a statistically significant relationship between motivation and EP. The regression coefficient indicates that there is a positive and moderate relationship between them. It can be concluded that motivation moderately enhances EP. Promotion pays, and recognition is the main motivation factors for employees at NEA. The study will be useful for policymakers such as in governmental, state-owned enterprises, and even the private sector. Further research can be conducted on other public and private sectors. Employee commitment, training, job satisfaction, etc., can be other dimensions to explore the effect of employee motivation.

A Long-term Policy to Mitigate Load Shedding by Hydro Investment in Nepal

Nepal has been facing acute load shedding problem though it has a large potential for hydropower generations. The load shedding, which increased significantly over the past decade, has hindered overall economic growth of the nation. Several previous researchers concluded that the load shedding problem can be abolished with the dynamic pricing policy in short-run. They do not talk much about long-term solution. However, the hypothesis of this study is that the foreign direct investment policy for deficit financing of hydropower projects can eradicate the capacity shortage, increase the electricity supply, and mitigates the load shedding problem in long-run. 
 As load shedding is a dynamic problem that requires analysis by dynamics models, Stella Architect software is used to analyze and find solutions to the problem. The research concludes that at least 9% of the deficit financing must be covered by the foreign direct investment to increase the hydro capacity and electricity supply to mitigate load shedding over the policy period in future. The net present value of profits of Nepal Electricity Authority, the organization with the full responsibility of the production and distribution of electricity in Nepal, with the foreign direct investment policy is almost doubled than without policy.

STRATEGIC ANALYSIS OF THE NEPAL ELECTRICITY AUTHORITY: A SWOT-AHP ANALYSIS BASED ON STAKEHOLDERS’ PERCEPTIONS

The Strength, Weakness, Opportunities & Threat (SWOT) analysis of an organization is a crucial method for assessing the most relevant internal (Strengths and Weaknesses) and external (Opportunities and Threats) factors affecting the organization. The purpose of this study is to rank the identified factors of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), an undertaking of the Government of Nepal mandated for generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity throughout the country. This paper utilizes the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), a Multicriteria Decision Making (MCDM) technique, to rank the SWOT factors for NEA strategic planning. The AHP method in combination with a SWOT analysis was utilized to conduct pairwise comparison among the identified factors in order to prioritize them using Eigen values. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the experts of the NEA, independent power producers, the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, energy companies, and donor agencies. The study reveals that the monopoly business nature, the huge internal demand for energy and a nationwide electricity distribution network are the main strengths of the NEA whereas an inability to absorb all energy procured through “take or pay” contracts and an insufficient transmission and distribution network are the main threats and weaknesses. Similarly, long-term growth of electricity demand, trade of power and energy banking are the identified opportunities. The findings of the study will help the organization utilize its strengths and opportunities, tackle its weaknesses, and mitigate the threats.

The future of hydropower development in Nepal: Views from the private sector

Private sector actors are taking on an increasingly prominent role in energy transitions, including in hydropower development and finance. Yet, there is little empirical research on the topic. This study covers private sector views on accelerating hydropower investment in Nepal, using Q methodology. Three main viewpoints were identified among 17 interviewed hydropower developers, planners, and investors based in Nepal: 1) Efforts need to be focused on reforming hydropower policies and administration at the national level; 2) Funds for hydropower development need to be increased and sought from a diversity of domestic and foreign private sources; 3) Nepal needs to integrate its energy grid with its South Asian neighbours, starting with India. Areas of strong disagreement include the role of political stability in enabling hydropower development, as well as modes of engagement with Indian, Chinese, and Western partners. Areas of consensus include the need to smoothen land acquisition procedures as well as discomfort with the state-owned Nepal Electricity Authority's perceived monopolistic status in the sector. Overall, this study contributes to debates on private sector involvement in hydropower development with a nuanced empirical assessment of views which contain clear visions for an independent and domestically driven future of the country's hydropower sector.

Economic Analysis for Replacement of 11kV overhead Koteshwor Feeder by Underground Distribution System

Cost effective, Aesthetic and Reliable energy supply is the need of any mankind. In this study, economic analysis for replacement of 11 kV overhead distribution feeder by 11kV underground cable is done with reference to Koteshwor Feeder under Baneshwor Distribution and Consumers Service. The reliability indices like SAIDI, SAIFI, ENS etc. is performed by using DigSilentPowerFactory software. The reliability of overhead distribution system is evaluated by using real system data system and similarly, historical IEEE standard data is used for underground distribution system. The reliability indices are compared for both distribution systems. Result shows that interruption in the overhead system is more than underground distribution system, the energy not supplied to the customer by overhead distribution system is also more than underground distribution system. The replacement cost estimation is performed by using Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) unit rate and KEI industries quoted price for NEA underground project. The B/C ratio and Present Worth value for the 25-year period of useful life shows that the replacement of the existing overhead distribution system by underground distribution system is financial suitable and can be payback by revenue save from the Energy Not Supply (ENS) lower value of underground distribution system than overhead distribution system. In order to get the continuous of supply, esthetic and public safety in electricity distribution field one may have to bear initially extra cost to use underground distribution systems which finally get payback. Thus, in case of densely populated city like Kathmandu, underground distribution system is reasonable requirement for continuous supply, esthetic and public safety in electricity distribution filed.

Mapping the industries’ willingness to pay for unrestricted electricity supply

The supply of electric power plays a crucial role in industrial production, and the current scarcity of electricity prevailing in the industries necessitates willingness of industries to pay higher price for energy supply. This paper explores willingness of the industries to pay for adequate electricity supply and proper management of electricity in 279 industries located in the industrial estates of Kathmandu valley. The required information was drawn from 279 industries through a structured questionnaire based on the interviews. Tobit model and survey results show that information of outage and frequency of outage resulted in positive and statistically significant effects. For the perpetual electricity supply, 94% of the industries are ready to pay higher rate of payment for the use of electricity. The findings infer that Nepal Electricity Authority should improve transparency, connection cost mechanism, regulate the electrical profession and strengthen power factors and operational efficiency to resolve the energy shortage faced by the manufacturing industries of Nepal. Thus, the study concludes that along with the skyrocketing population size, people also require increasing number of commodities and industries are forced for more production to meet these demands. So, adequate supply of electricity in the industrial area plays a complementary role in capital growth and production.

Assessment of Residents' Understanding of Potential Ecosystem Services of Phewa Watershed


 
 
 Phewa watershed, the second largest natural lake system in Nepal, is considered vital for the well being and economy at local, provincial and national level. Phewa watershed offers multiple benefits to the downstream dwellers involved in tourism, hotel, boating, fishing, irrigation, hydropower, etc. The constant degradation of watershed has become a serious challenge to sustain the watershed. Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) can be an effective environmental management tool for sustaining ecological and economic benefits, especially in an urban watershed like Phewa. This study has assessed the opportunities for the potentialityof PES in Phewa watershed. It first identified and ranked the tradable ecosystem services along with service providers and beneficiaries using Likert scale. Then, 137 households were surveyed to evaluate their perceptions of payment for ecosystem services and sustainable management of Phewa Lake. The results identified tourism as the major ecosystem service in the watershed followed by biodiversity and sediment retention to control flooding and erosion. Protected and community forests users groups within the watershed area, landowners, and farmers were identified as upstream users or service providers whereas the business owners like boat agencies, hotels and restaurants, drinking water users, and Nepal electricity authority were identifiedas the service beneficiaries of the identified ecosystem service. The challenges associated with implementing PES scheme were the lack of financial resource, lack of institutional organization and marketing for ecosystem services, population growth, lack of coordination between stakeholders, and lack of public participation. Thus, this study showed that education-based activities should be organized to enhance participation of beneficiaries and upstream dwellers. Also, PES policy mechanism with clear guidelines should be formulated for assuring the participation of the community people forthe implementation of PES.
 
 

Assessment of Urban Rooftop Grid Connected Solar Potential in Nepal

The power shortage problem faced by Nepal since last two decades is one of the major hurdles for its socio-economic development. At present load shedding is being managed by significant import of electricity from India thus increasing trade deficit of Nepal. The accelerated alternative methods of generation of electricity in Nepal need to be explored. This paper assesses the potential of rooftop solar Photovoltaic (PV) system in residential buildings in their major cities namely Kathmandu valley, Pokhara and Biratnagar of Nepal. The data indicated in this paper are collected from the predefined set of questionnaire and field survey in the randomly sampled households in 2016. Form the quantitative analysis of the data, it is found that the average roof top area available for PV installation in residential buildings are 14.5 sq.m, 12.45 sq.m and 19 sq.m for Kathmandu, Pokhara and Biratnagar cities respectively. Considering 557,027 residential buildings in Kathmandu; 77,523 in Pokhara and 33,075 in Biratnagar, total PV power potential is estimated to be 810 MWp, 96.5 MWp and 63.5 MWp in respective cities. To estimate the energy potential the annual average peaksun hours considered are 5.54, 5.58 and 5.13 for Kathmandu, Pokhara and Biratnagar city respectively, data taken from Solar and Wind Resource Assessment (SWERA) report. The total power potential in all three cities is found to be 970 MWp which could generate 1,310 GWh that comes out to be 24% of the electricity sold by Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) in fiscal year 2017/18. If shade free roof top space available of the 50% residential buildings are utilized for PV installation (333,762 numbers), about 12% of the Nepal’s utility electricity sold in the fiscal year 2017/18 could be saved annually. The technical barriers for the grid connection of roof top solar is not a major issue now as NEA has set the guidelines for it.

Grid Integration of Solar and Solar/Wind Hybrid Mini-Grid Projects: A Case of Solar/Wind Hybrid Mini-Grid Project Implemented by AEPC

Alternative Energy Promotion Center (AEPC) has been scaling up renewable energy technologies through Mini-grid power supply in Nepal’s off-grid areas in order to fulfill community electricity demands for both households and electricity-based enterprises. It is likely that, in some of the off-grid renewable energy (RE) mini-grid service areas, Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) grid line might reach in near future. The objective of this study is to highlight success stories of solar and solar/wind mini-grids implemented by AEPC and for their longer-term sustainable operation grid integration policy of isolated mini-grid systems will require. Till the date AEPC has successfully electrified more than 20 rural communities through solar and solar/wind hybrid mini-grid systems. Some of these isolated mini-grid projects will seek grid interconnections in near future due to NEA distribution system expansion trend. When the isolated mini-grids will be connected to the national grid power network in future, the mini-grid can feed surplus electricity to the local utility grid line and will receive deficit electricity from the local utility grid system to serve the consumers connected to the local grid network. The methodology applied to this study is assessment of existing solar and solar/wind mini-grid projects, technological intervention required for grid integration, reviewing grid-connection policy of distributed renewable generations in the country and recommendation of relevant policy option for grid connection of rural mini-grids. Grid integration of isolated solar and solar/wind mini-grids will have positive impacts to the sustainability of the present isolated mini-grids, will help in retaining existing mini-grids end users, energy produced by mini-grid systems will be optimally utilized, the existing mini-grid power will contribute to stabilize weak national grid electrical parameters. The outcome of the study will recommend need of policy options as well as technological interventions in order to do grid integration of solar and solar/wind hybrid mini-grid systems in Nepal.

Technical investigation of Nepalese electricity market – A review

The article reviews the options of renewable energy technologies with the background of long-lasting power shortages that Nepal has been facing and examines the energy-related policies of Nepal and provisions to promote renewable energy technologies in Nepal and its regulatory framework. It analyses the pertinent energy policies related to energy generation and distribution. The research focuses on the context of the renewable energy sector of Nepal and its future. The research has found a positive role in renewable energy policies for adoption of renewable energy technologies and poses a positive impact on electricity generation. The article has also reviewed and analyzed the trend of electricity generation, peak demand and the resulted import to meet the gap. The almost linear electricity generation of Nepal Electricity Authority (including generation of Individual Power Producers against the steep gradient of peak power demand has ultimately increased the power purchase from India pushing towards unsustainability. It shows that energy policies are not up to the optimal. The research has further analyzed the impact of per capita GDP on electricity per capita by regression analysis. The analysis has found, higher the GDP per capita would increase the consumption of electricity per capita. The paper discusses issues and barriers for promotion of rural electrification and suggested economical, technical and geographical to be the three most pertinent barriers in developing countries.