Kathmandu:Nepal has recommenced the export of 40 megawatts of electricity to Bangladesh via India's transmission network, following a temporary suspension due to flood damage on August 26. The Bhotekoshi flood had affected the Trishuli and Chilime hydropower plants, causing a halt in electricity supplies.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the resumption was made possible after India's Central Electricity Authority approved electricity generated by other hydropower plants for export to Bangladesh. The newly approved sources for this export include the Solu Khola and Kabeli B1 hydropower plants. Meanwhile, the Lower Modi Khola plant has been designated to supply electricity to Haryana, replacing the previous allocations for the Trishuli, Chilime, and Devighat plants.
Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) Managing Director Dirghayu Kumar Shrestha highlighted the significance of resuming exports to Bangladesh, noting it as a vital step in managing surplus electricity generated during the monsoon and enhancing regional power trade. Despite the flood damage to infrastructure, the NEA continues to sell electricity from other projects.
The NEA and the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) signed a five-year agreement for seasonal electricity exports on October 3, 2024. This agreement stipulates that Nepal will supply Bangladesh with 40 megawatts of electricity annually from June 15 to November 15.
In addition to the exports to Bangladesh, the NEA reported significant electricity sales to India. Between mid-September and mid-October 2026, Nepal exported 633.986 million units of electricity to India, generating Rs5.925 billion in revenue. This figure surpasses the revenue from the same period last year and the preceding month, despite the challenges caused by flood damage to some hydropower facilities. The electricity was sold through bilateral agreements and competitive markets, supplying Indian states such as Haryana and Bihar.