The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has announced that due to several factors—including the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL), rising temperatures, and high electricity demand in India—Nepal is currently unable to purchase as much electricity as it requires. As a result of these power management challenges, the NEA has stated that the industrial sector will receive only a partial load for a temporary period.
According to the NEA, Nepal is currently importing only 50 megawatts (MW) of electricity from India through the Power Exchange Committee (PEC). Meanwhile, domestic electricity generation averages around 1,175 MW.
Although peak electricity demand in Nepal has reached 2,077 MW, the maximum domestic generation at peak times was just 1,593 MW. During the dry season, Nepal typically relies on imports from India to cover the shortfall. However, with the onset of summer and surging demand in India, Nepal has not been able to secure the desired amount of electricity from its southern neighbor.
The NEA said that a maximum of 350 MW has been approved for import through PEC between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. Specifically, only 50 MW is being supplied via the 132 kV Sampatiya-Manaiya transmission line between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m., and again from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
“Due to the continued IPL matches in India and the resulting surge in demand, prices in the Indian Exchange Market are currently higher than those through the PEC. Despite best efforts, we have not received electricity from the 132 kV line connected to Bihar,” the statement said. Imports from the Indian Competitive Market are permitted from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. and again from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m.
“Even after attempting to purchase electricity at the maximum allowed rate from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m., Nepal receives only a minimal amount of electricity compared to its demand, as supply is allocated on a pro-rata basis,” the statement added.
The NEA also mentioned that it cannot negotiate electricity prices beyond NPR 10 per unit. Since the competitive market rate currently exceeds that threshold, Nepal has been unable to purchase additional power.
The NEA acknowledged that electricity management is being hampered due to the low volume of imports compared to demand. “Although there are temporary challenges in electricity management and partial load shedding in the industrial sector, we are making maximum efforts to balance supply and demand,” the statement concluded.
The authority expressed optimism that the situation will improve soon, as increased water flow in Nepal’s river systems is expected, which will boost domestic hydropower generation. Additionally, electricity imports from India are also expected to rise.
Source: Kantipur
