Kathmandu, November 8
Peak electricity demand on the evening of Laxmi Puja this Tihar is expected to reach 1,700 megawatts. The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has projected that consumption will rise to this level on the day of the festival.
Demand on Laxmi Puja evening is expected to be higher this year than in previous years. As the use of decorative lights and electrical goods rises in homes, offices and public places during Tihar, demand in the evening hours tends to peak.
According to NEA Executive Director Dirghayu Kumar Shrestha, domestic generation alone will be enough to meet the projected demand. He said generation is expected to reach around 2,500 megawatts at that time. With output exceeding demand, there will be enough electricity to keep the supply smooth, he said.
Demand on Laxmi Puja evening has risen steadily in recent years. The peak was 1,305 megawatts in 2079 BS, 1,438 megawatts in 2080 BS and 1,602 megawatts in 2024. Last year, in 2025, it reached 1,650 megawatts.
The NEA’s projection for this year is 1,700 megawatts. That means peak demand on Laxmi Puja evening has risen by around 400 megawatts over four years.
The NEA said that, as generation exceeds demand this year, there should be no supply problems.
To keep the supply regular during Tihar and Chhath, the authority has prepared to keep its generation, transmission and distribution systems in good order. Technical staff will remain on standby around the clock throughout the festivals, and arrangements have been made to resolve any problems in transmission lines and the distribution system immediately.
Executive Director Shrestha has instructed heads of the concerned offices to prevent any disruption in supply. The authority said he has also directed them to address complaints received through the “No Light” service promptly, and to keep technical teams ready for any necessary maintenance.
