KATHMANDU, Aug 11 — Nepal’s electricity export to India has climbed to 850 megawatts over the past two weeks, driven by heavy rainfall and increased river flow that have boosted hydropower generation.

According to the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), the country is currently exporting over 20,500 megawatt-hours of electricity to India daily. NEA spokesperson Rajan Dhakal said production has risen significantly, allowing surplus electricity—beyond domestic consumption—to be sold to the neighboring country.

With most hydropower plants operating on a run-of-river basis, Nepal produces excess power during the rainy season but faces shortages in the dry months. Dhakal noted that river water levels have been optimal for the past two weeks.

Currently, NEA’s own plants generate 13,512 MWh daily, while private producers supply 44,553 MWh. Peak domestic demand stands at 2,111 MW, against a total generation of about 3,000 MW, leaving around 850 MW for export to India.

In FY 2024/25, Nepal earned a record Rs 17.46 billion from electricity exports—Rs 17.19 billion from India and Rs 266.7 million from Bangladesh—making it a net exporter for the first time in FY 2023/24, with a net profit of Rs 120 million.

Since mid-June, Nepal has been supplying 40 MW to Bangladesh under an ongoing arrangement. The country has approval to export up to 940 MW in total—400 MW through a medium-term bilateral deal and 540 MW via the Indian Energy Exchange—but has yet to reach the full target.