Er.energyNP@Gmail.com

Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Biraj Bhakta Shrestha, has initiated internal discussions on the draft Electricity Policy.

During the discussion, he emphasized that the policy should encompass overall energy sector development, structural and institutional reforms, energy utilization, and environmental protection.

At the meeting held on Friday, Minister Shrestha instructed subordinate bodies to proceed in a way that ensures the policy clearly reflects comprehensive data and facts of the energy sector. He also stressed the need for broader consultations with stakeholders and advancing the policy with a long-term vision.

He highlighted that the Electricity Policy should address critical issues such as quality energy supply, increasing domestic consumption, energy mix, impacts of climate change, loss and damage, and carbon trading.

The minister noted that future challenges in the energy sector must be anticipated from now. Since the policy will guide future laws and regulations, it should be designed to address potential challenges ahead.

He further emphasized that the policy should incorporate concepts of capital mobilization that can have long-term impacts on the development of hydropower and clean energy.

Stressing the importance of the private sector in the energy sector, Minister Shrestha said the policy should also focus on increasing private sector participation and ensuring returns on investment.

Jalasarokar