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Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) Managing Director Dirghayu Kumar Shrestha has said the authority is fully prepared to work closely with the private sector to take Nepal’s energy sector to a new level. He also urged private investors to expand their involvement beyond electricity generation and invest in transmission line development.

Speaking at a program marking the 33rd anniversary of the Department of Electricity Development (DoED), Shrestha said the NEA is positive about strengthening cooperation with the Independent Power Producers’ Association, Nepal (IPPAN).

“The NEA is positive toward IPPAN’s concerns and issues,” he said. “We will further enhance our collaboration with the private sector in the days ahead.”

Shrestha said the achievements made by the Department of Electricity Development over the past 33 years have played a significant role in advancing Nepal’s energy sector. He noted that Nepal is steadily moving toward self-sufficiency in electricity generation, with the private sector making a decisive contribution to that progress.

He also highlighted significant improvements in managing electricity supply during the monsoon season and said that, during the recent Nepal–India Joint Steering Committee (JSC) meeting at the energy secretary level, both sides agreed to substantially increase Nepal’s electricity exports to India.

According to Shrestha, Nepal’s top priority is to maximize domestic electricity consumption, with only surplus power being exported. To achieve this, he stressed that expanding the country’s transmission network is the most critical infrastructure requirement and should remain a top priority.

“The private sector should also take the lead in transmission line construction,” Shrestha said. “Private investment is needed not only in power generation but also in transmission infrastructure.”

He emphasized that stronger collaboration among the government, the NEA, and the private sector is essential to ensure the sustainable development of Nepal’s energy sector.

Jalasarokar