Kathmandu, Nov 9: Nepal’s peak electricity demand reached a record 1,813 megawatts (MW) on Laxmi Puja this year, surpassing the previous highs of 1,745 MW in 2025 and 1,602.2 MW in 2024, according to the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA).
The peak demand was recorded at 6:15 pm on November 8. Kathmandu Valley’s peak consumption also climbed to 489.5 MW, up from 402.49 MW last year.
The country had 2,400.30 MW of electricity available during the peak demand period. Of this, 1,813 MW was consumed domestically, while 587.30 MW was exported. Nepal did not import electricity or experience power interruptions during the period.
Nepal’s available electricity declined from 2,760 MW during Laxmi Puja last year. At the same time, higher domestic consumption reduced the exportable surplus, bringing exports down from 1,015 MW in 2025 to 587.30 MW this year.
Nepal’s electricity generation is largely dependent on hydropower, with most of its installed capacity coming from river-based projects. Generation rises during the monsoon when rivers carry more water, often leaving the country with a surplus for export. Output falls during the dry season as river flows decline, increasing pressure on domestic supply.
The NEA has been expanding cross-border electricity trade, with India serving as Nepal’s main export market. Nepal also exports electricity to Bangladesh through India’s transmission network under a tripartite arrangement. These exports have helped the country sell surplus hydropower during periods of high generation, while electricity imports from India have traditionally helped meet domestic demand during the dry season.
The latest Laxmi Puja figures indicate that domestic consumption is absorbing a larger share of available electricity, leaving a smaller surplus for export even as Nepal continues to expand its generation capacity.
Editorial note: The final two paragraphs provide broader context. Before publication, the current installed generation capacity and latest annual consumption figures should be checked against NEA data if you want to include specific statistics.
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