Paper short abstract:

Electricity is swiftly replacing other conventional energy sources in Nepal. If left unchecked, the hydropower sector, which susceptible to extreme weather conditions , could see an unheard-of outcome.

Paper long abstract:

Hydro-generated electricity, which accounts for 3.4% of the total energy of Nepal, has been acclaimed as a game changer in terms of sovereignty, poverty alleviation, food security, green energy, replacement of imported energy, and commodity with export potential. Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), an authorized body to oversee generation, transmission, and distribution, aims for 100 % of the population having access to electricity from national grid by 2024. NEA projects consumption of electricity reaching 700 kW/per person in 5 years and is expected to rise to 1500 kW in 10 years.

Electricity is predominantly used for cooking, lighting, running family businesses and factories, irrigation, health services, and communication and transportation. Whilst the electricity, as a system, is now a lifeline of both city and rural settings, it is exposed to multiple threats such as technical, financial, political, and extreme weather. The latter has seen phenomenon rise in Nepal putting the sensitive sectors under unprecedented risk. Though "infrastructure" is the most used word among experts and the general public, the impact on them unfolding into large-scale damage, is often ignored.

This paper explores the likelihood of cascading impact of the disruption of electricity in multiple sectors. It presents assessment of the technical and non-technical perception of experts and electricity user on the likely impact of the disruption under the two scenarios: 24 hrs. and 7 days.

The finding of the study is expected to stimulate policymakers to realize the need for policy toward the safeguarding critical infrastructure in Nepal.