Energy Minister Stresses Need for Employee Suggestions and Infrastructure Development

Kathmandu. Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha has said that he expects constructive suggestions from employees with long experience, capability, and skills, even on topics outside their work areas. Minister Shrestha said this on Wednesday during a discussion with employees of the Department of Electricity Development and the Electricity Regulatory Commission.

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

He informed that the government is moving forward with the goal of completing the construction of more than a dozen strategically important transmission lines through the Nepal Electricity Authority and the National Transmission Grid Company within the next fiscal year, prioritizing them to prevent produced electricity from going to waste and to secure public investment.

Minister Shrestha mentioned that although electricity production is increasing rapidly, consumption has not increased, and the country may face the risk of debt in the coming days, emphasizing that the department must now prioritize the expansion of electricity consumption and transmission infrastructure. He also pointed out the need to adopt new modalities for the development of hydropower projects in the future and to move forward in collaboration with other bodies.

Stating that due to global changes, Nepal's energy needs and priorities need to be rethought, he said that the department must be more serious about issuing electricity production licenses. He stressed the need to work in a way that protects investors' investments and does not raise questions about the government's policies and decisions.

Minister Shrestha pointed out the need for the department not only to issue licenses but also to regularly monitor the quality of projects, equipment, and physical infrastructure. He said that the ministry is preparing to ensure that projects that will come under government ownership in a few years meet the standards, and the department's role will be significant in this.

He informed that he is working with a priority on good governance and administrative reform rather than short-term popularity and high ambition, and clarified that employees will be provided responsibilities and opportunities based on excellent performance.

Meanwhile, while gathering information from employees about the impact on regular work due to the vacancies in the Electricity Regulatory Commission, Minister Shrestha expressed confidence that the process of appointing office bearers to the commission has already started and the commission will be completed in a few days.