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Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha during a discussions with employees of the Department of Electricity Development and the Electricity Regulatory Commission in Kathmandu. Photo: TRN

Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Biraj Bhakta Shrestha has stressed the urgent need to expand domestic electricity consumption, warning that Nepal could face debt risks in the future if rising power generation is not matched by increased usage.

During discussions with employees of the Department of Electricity Development and the Electricity Regulatory Commission, Minister Shrestha said that electricity production in the country has been growing rapidly, but consumption expansion has not kept pace.

He said the Department of Electricity Development must now prioritise the expansion of electricity consumption alongside the development of transmission infrastructure. The Minister informed that the government has set a target of completing more than a dozen strategically important transmission line projects within the coming year through the Nepal Electricity Authority and the Rastriya Prasaran Grid Company. He said the projects are being prioritised to prevent wastage of generated electricity and to safeguard public investment in the energy sector.

Minister Shrestha also highlighted the need to adopt new modalities for hydropower development and to strengthen collaboration with other agencies in order to ensure sustainable growth in the energy sector.

Referring to changing global trends, he said Nepal’s energy needs and priorities must now be reconsidered from a new perspective. He stressed that the Department should exercise greater seriousness while issuing electricity generation licences to ensure balanced and responsible energy sector development.

He emphasised that work must be carried out in a manner that protects investors’ investments and prevents questions from being raised over government policies and decisions.

Minister Shrestha said the Department should not only issue licenses but also regularly monitor the quality of projects, equipment and physical infrastructure. Stating that the ministry is working to ensure that projects eventually transferred to government ownership meet the required standards, he said that the Department would play an important role in the process.

Minister Shrestha has said that he expects constructive suggestions even on matters beyond their specific areas of work from employees with extensive experience, capability and skills.

He also urged employees to provide suggestions on the bill related to water resources, renewable energy and energy efficiency that the ministry has advanced for the long-term development of the energy and water resources sector.

He said that he has been prioritising good governance and administrative reform rather than pursuing short-term popularity and overly ambitious goals.

He said that employees would be given responsibilities and opportunities on the basis of outstanding performance.