Executive Director of the Nepal Electricity Authority, Hitendra Dev Shakya, has stated that the issue of load shedding in industries will be resolved within two weeks. Taking charge of the authority, Shakya asserted that he would ensure there is no load shedding in industries, even if it requires importing electricity from India.

Shakya took the oath of office before the Minister of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, Dipak Khadka, on Tuesday.

The Cabinet meeting on Monday removed Managing Director Kulman Ghising and appointed Shakya in his place. Shakya said, “In 2021, there was no load shedding in industries even if we had to bring electricity from India, although the authority’s profit was reduced that year because we had to purchase electricity from India at a higher price.” He further added, “Currently, there is 12 to 14 hours of load shedding only in industries. Even if we have to import electricity from India, I will not let load shedding occur. I will show results within one to two weeks.”

Shakya stated that the current Gen Z generation should focus on demanding quality electricity rather than just the end of load shedding. “The real challenge now is ensuring the distribution of high-quality electricity. We need to set a standard so that no industry experiences more than one day of power tripping in a year,” he said. “Load shedding is not our issue; providing quality electricity is our priority.”

In the dispute over electricity arrears in dedicated and trunk lines, Shakya mentioned that recommendations have already come from the quasi-judicial body, and a technical solution will be found. “The recommendations have come from the quasi-judicial body, and we will resolve this in a technical manner regarding the procedural issues,” Shakya said. “To resolve this technically, impartiality is required. I believe I can do that. I will solve it technically, rather than politically.”

He stated that the country is currently facing an energy crisis, which presents both a challenge and an opportunity for him. “The government’s target of producing 28,000 megawatts in 10 years poses a financial challenge for both the authority and the government. I accept this challenge and will move forward,” Shakya said.

The government, led by Sher Bahadur Deuba, reappointed Ghising as the Managing Director of the Nepal Electricity Authority on 10th August 2021, while transferring Shakya to the Water and Energy Commission with special-class privileges. Soon after, Shakya filed a case in the Supreme Court. However, a verdict has not been issued yet.

Shakya said, “Last time, when I was appointed as the Managing Director of the Authority, I was given a four-year term, but my tenure was ended in less than six months.” He added, “Although I went to court seeking justice, that appointment term expired on February 7. Now that the government has reappointed me to this position, I feel that I have received justice.” He expressed his commitment to demonstrating his experience and expertise through his work.

Source: Kantipur