The season’s first snowfall on December 18, 2018 has good impact on Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC), said managing director of DGPC Dasho Chhewang Rinzin.

He said that there was an additional hydropower generation of at least four million units between December 18 and 20 from the rain and snow on 18 December.

“Even a small additional gain during the winter months helps meet the higher domestic demand for power due to a lot of consumer using electrical heating systems,” he said. “With Chhukha and Tala hydropower plants located in the Wangchhu basin, the river discharges in the Thimchhu, Pachhu and Haachhu are critical for generation at these two major generating power plants. Bhutan gets most of its rains during the summer monsoon months.”

Part of June, July, August, and part of September were the months when there was a maximum generation hydropower this year, he said.

The other eight months are lean river discharge months.

Dasho Chhewang Rinzin said: “Late rains and snow melt contribute to additional generation. The more the rain, the more the hydropower generation. This means the level of profitability will be higher.”

Records with the National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology (NCHM) recorded the highest snow equivalent water at 17.4mm in Gasa.

Dasho Chhewang Rinzin said that the additional discharge in the river and the additional generation after the event were measured. “We hope we get more rain and more snow before the next monsoons.”

Staff Reporter