Nepal has resumed electricity exports to Bangladesh after a two-month suspension caused by flood damage to hydropower plants, restarting the supply of 40 megawatts through India’s power transmission network.

Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) Chairman Rezaul Karim told Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) that Nepal began supplying 40 megawatts of electricity to Bangladesh on Friday.

Under a five-year agreement signed on October 3, 2024, between the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) and BPDB, Nepal supplies seasonal electricity to Bangladesh.

NEA Executive Director Dirghayu Kumar Shrestha told The Kathmandu Post that resuming exports to Bangladesh while continuing electricity exports from alternative hydropower projects, despite damage to power plants and transmission infrastructure, marked an important development in Nepal’s electricity trade.

He said exports resumed after India’s Central Electricity Authority approved the supply of electricity generated by alternative hydropower plants to Bangladesh.

Flood Damage Forced Suspension

On August 26, severe flooding in the Bhotekoshi River damaged the Trishuli and Chilime hydropower plants. Both facilities had previously been authorised to supply electricity to Bangladesh.

Exports were suspended after the damage disrupted supplies from the two plants.

Under a revised arrangement, electricity generated by the Solu Khola and Kabeli B-1 hydropower plants has now been approved for export to Bangladesh.

Seasonal Supply Agreement

Under the agreement signed in October 2024, Nepal supplies Bangladesh with 40 megawatts of electricity daily from June 15 to November 15 each year.

Nepal exports surplus electricity during the monsoon season after meeting its domestic demand, allowing Bangladesh to access additional power through India’s transmission network.

The resumption restores the seasonal supply following the flood-related disruption and demonstrates the role of cross-border infrastructure and regional cooperation in electricity trade.