Turning tables: NEA exports NRs 8.32 billion electricity to India

Nepal has exported electricity amounting to Rs 8.32 billion to India in the five months of the present fiscal year 2022/23. 58.6 million electricity units were sold at tariffs ranging between Rs 6.58 and Rs 12.15, according to the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA).

In 2021/22, NEA made 2.83 billion through exports to India, while its total import bill amounted to Rs 15.45 billion. In 2020/21, Nepal’s import bill stood at Rs 21.82 billion.

The road to exports to India materialized after NEA joined the Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) in April. NEA now participates in the daily day-ahead auction (from 10-12 am) at the IEX to sell its power through a competitive bidding process.

The export, which started in early November last year, lasted for a few weeks after generation was reduced in the dry month of December, but resumed in early June.

Once exports resume in May 2023, NEA expects to earn Rs 16 billion during the current fiscal year. 

Nepal is looking at surplus production of 408 MW of electricity from November this year. It can export up to 364 MW from the Kaligandaki Hydropower (140 MW), Middle Marshyangdi (68 MW), Marshyangdi (67 MW) and Likhu-4 (51 MW), and 37.7 MW from Trishuli and Devighat hydropower projects.