KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 1

A peak electricity demand of 1,602 megawatts was recorded on Laxmi Puja during this year's Tihar festival, according to the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA).

The peak occurred at 6:25 pm on Thursday, the day of Laxmi Puja. Last year, peak demand reached 1,438 megawatts on Laxmi Puja, marking a 164-megawatt increase this year.

The NEA noted that this recorded demand excluded industrial customers, as most industries and factories were closed during Tihar. To meet the holiday demand, power was supplied from domestic power plants. Additionally, a surplus of 253 megawatts was exported to India after meeting the country's peak power requirements.

Overall, the total demand reached 1,855 megawatts on Laxmi Puja this year, compared to 1,955 megawatts last year.