KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 29, 2026 : Nepal is preparing to import up to 1,100 MW of electricity from India during the upcoming dry season as the country faces a potential supply shortfall following damage to several hydropower projects caused by flash floods, landslides and heavy monsoon rainfall.
The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) is preparing a power-supply plan for the dry period from December 2026 to May 2027. Electricity generation from Nepal’s run-of-the-river hydropower projects typically declines during this period, while domestic demand increases, particularly between February and May.
NEA spokesperson Rajan Dhakal said Nepal would need to import some electricity from India after November, with the peak requirement expected during the February-May period.
640 MW Generation Capacity Affected
Nepal currently has around 3,740 MW of electricity generation capacity in operation, according to the NEA.
However, recent weather-related disasters have caused substantial damage to the country’s power infrastructure.
The August 26 Bhotekoshi flash floods damaged several hydropower plants and associated infrastructure, resulting in the loss of approximately 450 MW of generation capacity.
Heavy monsoon rainfall between September 24 and 27 subsequently damaged the 190 MW Kaligandaki hydropower project.
Together, the two incidents have reduced Nepal’s available generation capacity by approximately 640 MW, according to the NEA.
Imports Could Reach 1,100 MW
Against this backdrop, the NEA is considering importing up to 1,100 MW of electricity from India during the coming dry season.
The planned imports are intended to help Nepal maintain a balance between electricity supply and rising domestic demand during the winter and the February-May peak period.
Despite the damage to its hydropower infrastructure, Nepal is currently exporting approximately 600 MW to 700 MW of electricity to India, the NEA said.
Nepal-India Power Trade
Nepal has increasingly relied on cross-border electricity trade with India in recent years.
During the wet monsoon season, Nepal’s hydropower plants generally generate surplus electricity, allowing the country to export power. During the dry season, when water levels and hydropower generation decline, Nepal imports electricity to meet domestic requirements.
The NEA expects some hydropower projects damaged by the Bhotekoshi floods to return to operation following maintenance work. Around 160 MW of capacity is expected to be restored by February, according to Dhakal.
The 190 MW Kaligandaki project is also expected to resume generation within a couple of months. The restoration of these projects could reduce pressure on Nepal’s electricity supply during the dry season.
India and Nepal have expanded their cross-border electricity trade in recent years, including arrangements that allow Nepal to sell surplus power in India’s energy market.
