Manoj Silwal, the newly appointed Managing Director of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), has wasted no time in taking action.

Although the Council of Ministers approved his appointment last Sunday, he officially assumed office on Tuesday, the 7th, and immediately began addressing tasks that had been unnecessarily stalled within the Authority. Earlier delays and pending decisions had slowed operations, but Silwal’s arrival has brought prompt decision-making.

Seven major accomplishments in just seven days:

1. Initiated collection of dues from dedicated feeders and trunk lines

Silwal convened a board meeting and started collecting long-overdue dues. The Authority issued a notice on Sunday, requesting payment by October 19, warning industries that failure to comply would result in disconnection of power lines. Nearly NPR 8 billion in dues, previously stalled due to prolonged disputes, will now be collected. To ease the burden, a 28-month installment facility has been offered.

2. Signed PPAs for 24 solar projects (355 MW)

Long-stalled Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) are now moving forward. Silwal has signed PPAs for 24 solar projects with a total capacity of 355 MW and forwarded them to the Electricity Regulatory Commission for final approval. The process strictly followed rules and procedures, without favoritism, addressing private sector complaints and strengthening energy security.

3. Restored 30 MW generation from Trishuli-III A

Floods and landslides had reduced Trishuli-III A’s output by 30 MW. Silwal instructed repairs and brought all units back online, adding 30 MW to the system within a week.

4. Launched “Electricity with the People” program

Silwal introduced a program to address customer grievances. He will hold one-hour weekly sessions with customers to discuss issues such as meter delays, bribery, and power outages. A hotline will be set up, and immediate solutions issued directly. This initiative aims to ensure the Authority genuinely serves its customers.

5. Restored 15 MW generation from Chameliya

Neglected maintenance had taken 15 MW offline. Silwal promptly ordered repairs, restoring full capacity.

6. Implemented strict deadlines for tasks

Silwal has begun setting clear deadlines. Employees failing to complete work on time will face disciplinary action. “We decide how much time each task should take, and it must be completed within that timeframe,” Silwal said. Even if a service cannot be provided immediately, a decision must be issued within the same timeframe.

7. Scheduled maintenance for smoother electricity supply

To address intermittent power issues caused by a weak distribution system, Silwal has scheduled maintenance for distribution and transmission lines. While ongoing work continues, the formal schedule is expected to further improve reliability.

In just seven days, Silwal has initiated more than a dozen important tasks. He has even instructed that his photo should not be displayed at the Authority unless work is completed.

Who is Manoj Silwal?

Silwal, a retired Deputy Managing Director of NEA, entered government service in 1991 as a contract overseer in the small hydropower division. He later secured a permanent position and was promoted to the 10th level, after which he was transferred to the Butwal-Kohalpur project.

Over the years, he worked at the Attariya Regional Office and served as CEO of the Middle Bhotekoshi Hydropower Project. He also gained experience in the Secretariat of the Managing Director, Project Management Office, and the Engineering Services Directorate.

Notably, Silwal oversaw the Distribution and Customer Service Directorate during Kulman Ghising’s tenure as Managing Director—a key directorate considered the “backbone” of the Authority. The success of the Managing Director heavily depends on its effective functioning. Silwal’s dedicated work played a crucial role in Ghising’s achievements, earning widespread public praise.

Known for being low-profile yet highly capable in decision-making, Silwal recently stood alongside Ghising to recover dues from dedicated feeders and trunk lines. By doing so, he faced pressure and opposition from political leaders and businessmen alike. His steadfast support ensured that the Authority could enforce dues recovery effectively during the tenure of the then Prime Minister KP Oli’s government.

Employees frequently praise Silwal for his decision-making skills, calling him “the right man in the right place.”

NepalPurbadhar