Hiteendra Dev Shakya, Executive Director of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), has publicly expressed his willingness to work collaboratively with Energy Minister Kulman Ghising, dismissing any notion of conflict. Shakya emphasized that their shared vision for the energy sector makes cooperation a priority over disputes.

Shakya, who was removed from the NEA by a cabinet decision on 5 Ashoj but reinstated after the Supreme Court’s directive, returned to his position on Wednesday, marking the 79th day since his removal. Upon his return, he affirmed his commitment to fully support Minister Ghising and the Authority’s initiatives.

“I am fully aligned with the Energy Minister. We share a common understanding of the energy sector. He oversees multiple sectors, but in energy, I will work with full capacity,” Shakya told reporters. “I will move forward by taking all colleagues along.”

Shakya initially assumed the role of NEA Executive Director on 11 Chaitra, after the previous government removed Kulman Ghising and appointed him in his place. Shortly after taking office following the Gen-Ji Movement, Minister Ghising proposed Shakya’s removal in a cabinet meeting. The Supreme Court later ruled the minister’s move as prejudiced and retaliatory, effectively nullifying the cabinet decision.

After reinstatement, Shakya confirmed he would continue work related to the dedicated and trunk line arrears, in line with decisions made by the Authority’s board. “The board has already decided on this matter, and I will ensure continuity. Institutional decisions are paramount; individual considerations do not affect them,” he said.

Previously, former Energy Minister Deepak Khadka had set a 5 percent security deposit for disputed amounts in a board decision on 29 Chaitra. At that time, Shakya served as Executive Director, while a review committee chaired by Shyamkishor Yadav examined applications from 46 industries seeking administrative review.

Minister Ghising later dissolved the committee and instructed the collection of arrears from dedicated and trunk lines, successfully securing the first installment from all outstanding industries, while correspondence for the second installment is ongoing.

Shakya highlighted ongoing challenges despite the end of load-shedding, citing private sector production management, energy security, and investment regulation as critical priorities. “Energy is the driver of the economy. If we collaborate effectively, the results can be significant,” he said.

This public commitment signals a cooperative approach between the NEA leadership and the Energy Ministry, aiming to strengthen energy management, sector governance, and private investment facilitation in Nepal.