Nepal's first 'unmanned' 33/11 kV Letang substation comes online

KATHMANDU; Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has brought into operation the first unmanned Letang substation of 33/11 kV and 8 MVA capacity in Nepal.

According to the NEA, the unmanned substation, built with the aim of making the electricity distribution system more reliable and automated, was successfully charged and commissioned on June 19. The infrastructure has been constructed by the NEA's provincial office in Biratnagar, Koshi. The NEA has mentioned the substation has added a new dimension to the modernization of the distribution system.

As per the public enterprise, the major equipment used in the substation includes ‘Auto Recloser’ and ‘Siemens SCADA System’ manufactured by the renowned Indian multinational company CG Power and Industrial Solutions Limited (CG Make). These equipment and technology  ensure safe and effective operation of the substation through remote monitoring and control.

The substation has been equipped with 8 MV power transformers, four bays of 33 kV (incoming, outgoing, transformer and backup) and five bays of 11 kV (1 incoming, 2 backup out of 4 outgoing). In addition, structures including an office building with a control room and staff accommodation have also been constructed.

It is believed that once the substation is operational, technical and commercial losses in the distribution system are expected reduce, voltage levels improve, unnecessary tripping and power interruptions are reduced and revenue collection can improve. In addition, since it is an unmanned and fully automated system, the NEA expects a significant reduction in the manpower required for operation and maintenance, along with a notable reduction in operating costs.

The construction of the project, which costs about Rs 100 million, was started by the contractor company Jay Durge Infra Engineering on April 19, 2022. The project was completed with the joint efforts of the technical teams of the NEA and the construction company.

The project is expected to directly benefit electricity consumers in the Letang and Belbari municipalities of the district by making the electricity distribution system more modern, smart and reliable. It is also seen as an important achievement in the field of distribution automation in the country.

After receiving widespread complaints from local consumers about problems such as low voltage and power tripping in the Letang area for a long time, NEA's Acting Executive Director Dirghayu Kumar Shrestha had directed to immediately make alternative arrangements and complete the substation construction work as soon as possible. Accordingly, the Koshi Provincial Office has rapidly brought the substation into operation by bringing online the 33 kV line constructed along Biratchowk-Keraun stretch.