Nepal to Import Power from India Following Hydropower Damage

Nepal is preparing to import up to 1,100 MW of electricity from India during the dry season, which spans from December to May 2027. This measure addresses a temporary reduction in the country's generation capacity due to recent flash floods, landslides, and heavy monsoon rains that damaged hydropower projects.

The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) is developing a work plan for this period, as electricity generation from run-of-the-river hydropower projects typically declines significantly during the dry season, while demand increases. The combined impact of the Bhotekoshi floods and subsequent heavy rainfall has resulted in a loss of approximately 640 MW of generation capacity.

Despite the damage to its hydropower infrastructure, Nepal is currently exporting between 600 MW and 700 MW of electricity to India. Cross-border electricity trade between India and Nepal has expanded in recent years, allowing Nepal to export surplus power during the wet monsoon months and import during the dry season.

India Focuses on Integrated Energy System for Future Growth

India's energy sector is moving beyond capacity expansion to focus on creating an integrated energy system capable of managing diverse sources, growing industrial and digital infrastructure, and changing demand. This new approach prioritizes resilient infrastructure, domestic capabilities, and diversified supply chains.

The electricity grid is emerging as a critical component, requiring integrated planning for generation, transmission, and demand. Transmission networks, storage solutions, and distribution systems must evolve rapidly to absorb and deliver power from various sources. Storage is increasingly viewed as a core system asset, not merely an adjunct to renewable energy, with battery energy storage systems playing a key role in flexibility and reliability.

The expansion of AI and data centers is creating new, power-intensive demand, making power availability, quality, and efficiency crucial for investment decisions. India's energy transition will remain multi-energy, with hydrocarbons continuing to support reliability and industrial activity alongside cleaner technologies. Workforce transformation, including reskilling for a digital and multi-energy sector, is also a vital part of this transition.

BEST Opposes Adani Electricity's Bid for Dharavi Power Distribution

BEST is opposing Adani Electricity's application for a power distribution license in Dharavi. The civic utility fears losing approximately 87,000 existing consumers and additional future consumers following the area's redevelopment. BEST has submitted objections to MERC, emphasizing its established infrastructure and significant investments in Dharavi.

Sonia Sethi, BEST general manager, announced the formation of a task force to develop an action plan within one month. This initiative aims to enhance BEST's competitiveness and explore opportunities for expanding its power distribution network into the eastern and western suburbs. The undertaking is also investigating consumer incentives and preparing a feasibility report for future distribution applications in suburban areas, including new housing societies.

S.P. Makwana, BEST deputy general manager, stated that the utility possesses a well-established electricity distribution network in Dharavi, including receiving stations, substations, and an extensive cable network. BEST officials argue that a parallel distribution system is unnecessary and that granting the license to Adani Electricity would significantly impact BEST's revenue and market presence. BEST has also objected to plans that could affect its power and cable installations during the redevelopment project.