Distribution

Distribution in BPC started through Andhikhola Hydroelectric and Rural Electrification Project (AHREP) in 1990 AD.

BPC distributes electricity in 4 districts of Western and Mid Western region of Nepal - Syangja, Palpa, Pyuthan and Arghakhanchi. BPC’s consumer base has crossed 30 thousands.

These customers are provided service through two Distribution Centres and 2 Branch offices. The two Electricity Distribution Centers are Center located at Galyang, Syangja, and Darminchaur, Pyuthan.

BPC introduced community based electrification right from the beginning. In rural areas, BPC distributes electricity through Users Organizations. Users Organizations support BPC in construction of Distribution Network through labor contribution as well as in the operation and maintenance of network and revenue collection within Users Organizations.

The Distribution Division is responsible for management, planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance of the distribution system up to 33 kV voltage level. It is also responsible for customer services such as new connection, meter reading, billing and revenue collection through Distribution Centers i.e. Syangja/Palpa and Pyuthan/Arghakhanchi Distribution Centre.

Highlights of distribution (As of 2063/64 B.S.)

1 kV distribution system

BPC distribution uses unprecedented voltage level of 1 kV for distribution primarily because of the following reasons:

• Range is approximately 5 km as against 1.5 km for a 400 V line.
• Voltage drop and Line losses are less.
• One person can carry small lightweight 1/0.23 kV transformers supplying a group of houses (huts) with very low demands.
• Cost of 1 kV line construction is equivalent to 400 V line because same hardware is used for both systems.

Cutout Consumers

This type of consumer body comprises of demand based customers. Customers pay a fixed sum of money as per their stipulated demand irrespective of unit consumption. Term Cutout is derived from the name of the device used for such consumers for restriction of consumption beyond their demand. Such devices literally cut off supply if demand exceeds the subscribed watt. The existing cutout system capacities are 25W, 50W, 100W and 250W. This kind of supply provision is usually prevalent among low income village denizens.

User’s Organization (UO)

User Organization is a committee formed by consumers; primarily formed to organize people to contribute voluntary labour and make use of locally available local materials for construction, operation and maintenance of the system. Such public participation helps kindle a sense of ownership of the system itself among public which has myriad advantages; notably sustainable growth. Over the years it has helped electrification growth in efficient, effective and economical manner. In additional to this UO also assists during operation of the system by collecting periodic bills and fees from consumers and timely performing minor repair of the system in case of system breakdown. BPC reciprocates by refunding 10% of the collected amount to the UO and providing necessary training to members of UO.

Demand Side Management

With the objective of managing distribution systems efficiently and reducing the additional cost of distribution system reinforcement, BPC is now implementing demand side management (DSM) programs in Andhikhola to advocate optimum use of electricity.