Following the severe floods on September 26, damage at hydropower project sites has raised concerns that electricity imports from India this coming winter could increase by an average of about 100 megawatts compared to last year, according to the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA). Flooding on September 26 affected projects operating within the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli corridor, and heavy rainfall in October caused significant damage in the Kaligandaki region. NEA spokesperson Rajan Dhakal stated that approximately 650 megawatts of electricity were lost from the national grid transmission during this period. Specifically, 450 megawatts were lost in the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli area and 190 megawatts in the Kaligandaki sector.
“Our biggest challenge will come during the months of January, February, and March. We are working towards bringing the Trishuli corridor transmission lines back into operation by then. If successful, an additional 150 megawatts could be restored,” he said. “Last year during peak winter hours, daily imports from India were about 800 to 900 megawatts, with an average of 600 megawatts. This year, peak imports may reach 1000 megawatts, and the average could be as high as 700 megawatts.” The authority also disclosed that during heavy rainfall from October 23 to 27, three towers in the Kaligandaki corridor collapsed.
“Restoring those towers will help improve the situation, and other plants are also coming online. However, if electricity supply remains insufficient despite these efforts, further imports from India will be necessary,” added spokesperson Dhakal. Currently, electricity demand is approximately 2500 megawatts, while production is around 3500 to 3600 megawatts, according to NEA. This results in an export capacity of roughly 1000 megawatts. Before the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli flood, the authority had about 4300 megawatts of hydropower capacity.
Kumar Pandey, former vice-chairman of the Independent Power Producers’ Association Nepal (IPPAN), believes that transmission lines in the Kaligandaki area will be restored soon after the recent damage, meaning imports may only increase slightly as the NEA has indicated. However, he warned, “The extensive damage in the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli region suggests serious long-term impacts.” He further noted, “With the Trishuli powerhouse shut down and the need to construct transmission lines, load management in Kathmandu will become challenging for the authority.”
