Electricity imports during the winter season have doubled as rising demand for heating and increased household consumption placed significant pressure on domestic power generation. Energy authorities said the surge in demand, coupled with reduced hydropower output during the colder months due to lower river flows, has necessitated higher imports to maintain a stable electricity supply and prevent shortages. Officials noted that imported electricity has played a crucial role in meeting peak demand and ensuring uninterrupted service for residential, commercial, and industrial consumers. While the additional imports have strengthened grid reliability, they have also raised concerns over higher energy costs and growing dependence on external power sources during the lean season. Experts have emphasized the need to diversify the country’s energy mix by expanding renewable energy capacity, improving storage infrastructure, and implementing energy efficiency measures to reduce seasonal vulnerabilities. Authorities are also encouraging consumers to adopt electricity-saving practices during peak hours to ease pressure on the grid. Long-term plans include investments in generation projects and transmission networks aimed at enhancing energy security and reducing reliance on imported electricity. The seasonal increase in imports underscores the continuing challenge of balancing rising electricity demand with domestic generation capacity, particularly during winter when hydropower production declines and consumption reaches its annual peak.