For the people of Jhumsa, electricity isn’t just about powering homes—it’s about empowerment, progress, and opportunity. The Jhumsa Khola III Micro Hydro Project has now taken a giant leap forward by integrating into Nepal’s national electricity grid, marking a turning point for the community. With a capacity of 68 kilowatts (kW), this locally managed initiative is lighting up lives while also generating income through net metering, a system that allows the community to sell surplus electricity to the grid. This was made possible through the support of Government of Nepal’s Sustainable Energy Challenge Fund (SECF)- a viability gap funding mechanism.
Community Ownership and Local Impact
Jhumsa Khola III is more than just a power project—it’s a story of resilience and self-reliance. The people of Jhumsa built and now operate this hydro project themselves, ensuring a steady supply of clean energy for their homes, businesses, and schools. Now, with the micro-hydro plant in full swing, the community enjoys uninterrupted power while also acquiring technical skills to manage the system for years to come.
Grid Integration: A Prime Example of Net Metering
For the first time, the people of Jhumsa are not just consuming electricity—they are also contributing to Nepal’s energy supply. Thanks to net metering, the surplus energy produced by the hydro plant is fed back into the national grid, ensuring that no power goes to waste. This system not only stabilizes local energy access but also turns electricity into an economic asset for the community. With each unit sold, Jhumsa’s residents secure additional funds that can be reinvested in education, healthcare, and local businesses.
Key Benefits of Grid Integration
- Economic Empowerment: By selling surplus electricity, the community is expected to generate up to NPR 200,000 per month—a substantial boost for local development projects and infrastructure improvements.
- Reliable Energy Access: No more power shortages due to seasonal water fluctuations. The grid connection ensures households and businesses in Jhumsa remain powered, even during maintenance or low-flow periods.
- Sustainable Livelihoods: With affordable and uninterrupted electricity, local businesses are thriving. Shops can stay open longer, schools have reliable lighting, and families can cook using electric appliances instead of firewood.
Nepal’s energy future depends on smart, decentralized solutions like Jhumsa Khola III. By integrating small-scale hydropower into the national grid, the country is reducing reliance on costly fuel imports, cutting transmission losses, and ensuring more stable power for all regions. These community-driven projects strengthen the energy sector by diversifying power sources, making Nepal’s grid more resilient against blackouts and demand fluctuations.
The success of Jhumsa Khola III is not just a local win—it’s an inspiration for communities across Nepal. It proves that when local people take charge of their energy needs, they can build sustainable solutions that benefit both their villages and the nation as a whole. More micro-hydro projects following this path means more rural areas gaining access to clean, affordable energy while also contributing to Nepal’s ambitious clean energy goals.
Jhumsa Khola III isn’t just generating electricity—it’s generating hope, progress, and self-sufficiency. By integrating into the national grid, this community-led project has unlocked new economic opportunities while setting a powerful example for Nepal’s renewable energy future. As more communities embrace local energy solutions, Nepal’s energy sector will continue to grow stronger, greener, and more inclusive—one micro-hydro project at a time.