The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has announced power cuts in industrial areas during evening peak hours due to reduced river flows, which have impacted hydroelectricity production.

NEA Spokesperson Chandan Kumar Ghosh said that the situation has been critical since November 19. “We have repeatedly emphasized the need to prioritize the operation of the Upper Tamakoshi Project. However, we are now at a point where power cuts are unavoidable,” Ghosh said, adding that the cuts will begin within a week to 10 days.

Floods and landslides caused by heavy rains in late September had damaged several hydropower projects, including the 456 MW Upper Tamakoshi. Delays in its reconstruction have further strained power availability during peak hours. The NEA estimates the project may be restored by December 25, but power cuts might persist even after restoration.

“The production capacity of hydropower projects drops by one-third during winter. Importing electricity from India to meet peak-hour demand is not feasible due to resource limitations,” Ghosh said, “There is no room for complacency.”