Socio-Economic Impact of Peltric set (A case study of Dhamikhola settlement at Gotikhel VDC in Lalitpur district)

Abstract

Peltric set is an important alternative energy producing technology. Energy can be generated from falling water through the use of Peltric set through the use of motor dynamo which can be used as mechanical power. Electricity generated in this way can be used for lighting, heating, operating machines. In Nepal projects up to 5kw or benefiting house holds 40 are classified as Peltric set project. It has been found that the rural people are highly benefited from the electricity generated through Peltric set projects. These benefits include the rise in literacy rate, increase in social activities and awareness development, declining adverse effects of polluting energy sources on health, sanitation, environment etc. These benefits are, however, of intangible nature. Rural people need tangible benefits. However due to several problems being encountered at present they are still deprived of them. Some of the problems are of techno social nature such as water rights reluctance in payment of energy, conflicts among the consumers as well as consumers and entrepreneurs, low salary to the operators, poor management, low maintenance , poor system efficiency, frequent power interruption, etc. Because of this majority of Peltric set projects are suffering of economic problems. These problems, however, have not yet been studied thoroughly and hence need immediate attention to make the Peltric set projects sustainable in the long run. Realizing this fact a study was carried out which first reviewed the problems being faced by the projects and analyzed their economic sustainability by taking one of the representative projects as a sample. The study has mainly focus on primary and secondary data. It has been limited on Dhamikhola settlement at Gotikhel VDC of Lalitpur district. It will collect data from the government related agencies, INGOs, its policy makers and individual basis of the study site.