NEA Plans 1,154 MW Power Import for Dry Season to Ensure Stable Supply
Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) projects importing up to 1,154 MW from India during the dry season (January–May 2027) to offset reduced hydropower output caused by recent flood damage. Domestic generation will fall to 1,218 MW against a peak demand of 2,292 MW, with imports bridging the gap. The NEA also estimates flood-related losses at around Rs 74 billion.
Kathmandu, Sept 29 – The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has projected that the country will import up to 1,154 MW of electricity from India during the upcoming winter to manage power supply, following extensive damage to hydropower plants from recent floods, landslides, and heavy rainfall.
Unveiling its work plan for the dry period from January through May 2027 on Monday, the NEA estimated the import requirement. Currently, total electricity production stands at 3,739.40 MW. By mid-December, an additional 320.60 MW will be generated from projects in the pipeline, raising total production to 4,060 MW.
However, during the dry season, only about 30 percent of installed capacity will be available as river water flow decreases, leaving just 1,218 MW for domestic consumption. Meanwhile, average national peak demand is expected to remain at 2,292 MW, similar to last year.
To cover the shortfall of around 1,154.80 MW, the NEA plans to import power from India through multiple channels:
- 600.80 MW via the Dhalkebar-Muzaffarpur transmission line
- 54 MW through the Tanakpur-Mahendranagar line
- 350 MW via lines connecting Bihar and Uttar Pradesh
- 150 MW on a bilateral basis
By combining domestic production and imports, a total of 2,372.77 MW will be available in the system during the dry season, which the NEA estimates will meet projected demand.
India has agreed to allow Nepal to import 600.80 MW via the Dhalkebar-Muzaffarpur line during "solar hours" (midnight to 6 PM) until the end of December this year. The NEA will lobby India to extend imports beyond this period to manage supply.
Meanwhile, a preliminary NEA study estimates that the catastrophic Bhotekoshi-Trishuli flood caused losses of around Rs 74 billion due to damage to power plants operated by the NEA and its subsidiaries.
Projects completely halted by the floods include:
- 111 MW Rasuwagadhi
- 78 MW Sanjen
- 60 MW Upper Trishuli 3A
- 42.5 MW Lower Sanjen
- 25 MW NEA Solar
- 24 MW Trishuli
- 22.1 MW Chilime
Similarly, electricity generation has completely stopped at the 20 MW Langtang, 14.8 MW Upper Sanjen, 14.3 MW Upper Mailung, 14.1 MW Devighat, and 5 MW Mailung Khola hydropower projects.