KATHMANDU: Nepal experienced a peak electricity demand of 1,438 megawatts during Laxmi Puja in Tihar on Sunday, according to the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA).

This marked a significant increase of 133 megawatts compared to the previous year, reaching the peak at 6 pm on Sunday.

In contrast, the peak demand during Laxmi Puja last year was 1,305 MW.

The heightened demand on Laxmi Puja is primarily attributed to industrial customers, as most industries and factories are closed during the Tihar festival.

Despite the projection of a peak demand of 1,357 MW for this year, the NEA managed the electricity supply, relying on domestic powerhouses to meet the increased demand.

NEA exports surplus electricity to India

During the peak time, the Nepal Electricity Authority exported 517 megawatts of surplus electricity to India on Sunday demonstrating an increase compared to the previous year, where only 406 MW was exported during Laxmi Puja.

The total electricity demand on the day of Laxmi Puja, including export, reached 1,955 MW, surpassing last year’s peak demand of 1,711 MW.

In Kathmandu Valley alone, the peak demand reached 366 MW, showcasing a growth from 342 MW recorded last year.

NEA Executive Director Kulman Ghising emphasized that this increase in peak demand by 10 percent over the previous year is a positive development.