Surkhet, March 27 -- kilowatt Hildum Small Hydropower Project has provided electricity to around 2,300 households in Kharpunath rural municipality, including Simkot, the headquarters of Humla. However, power supply from the project is disrupted during snowfall and the monsoon season.

Frequent breakdowns of turbine machines and damage to canals leave residents of Humla in darkness for extended periods.

"There is electricity only in name. Even a slight wind or rainfall cuts off the power supply," said Pitambar Rokaya of Simkot-7. "Without electricity, phone and internet services stop working, and sometimes we are cut off from communication for up to a week."

Pemba Lama, another local at Simkot, said local traders charge up to Rs100 per h...