IPPAN Chairman Ganesh Karki Calls for Effective Implementation of Energy Sector Reforms

Kathmandu. Ganesh Karki, Chairman of the Independent Power Producers' Association, Nepal (IPPAN), has stated that the various policy reforms announced by the government for the energy sector must now be effectively implemented. He expressed this view while addressing a special gathering organized on the eve of the IPPAN elections. Discussing that he had succeeded in addressing many issues of the energy sector through a large budget during his tenure, Chairman Karki emphasized that the new leadership of IPPAN must play a significant role in putting those government announcements into practice. He claimed that the current leadership has been fully successful in conveying the serious issues raised by the energy sector in recent years to the government and various political parties. Many important issues related to the energy sector are now included in the manifestos of political parties, government policy, and the annual budget. Mentioning that the current government has given high priority to the energy sector, he clarified that policy reform issues such as extending the license period for hydropower projects to 50 years, implementing a 'one-door policy', and reforms related to Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) have already been included in the budget. He also informed that the government has taken positive initiative regarding the issue of entering into Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) on a 'take or pay' basis instead of the 'take and pay' model that the private sector has been continuously raising for a long time. Stating that strong cooperation between the government, private sector, and all stakeholders is necessary for the rapid development of the energy sector, he said that the opportunities seen in this sector must be made the main basis for the country's economic prosperity. Chairman Karki expressed full confidence in the new incoming leadership team and clarified that the support and cooperation of all energy entrepreneurs are essential to advance the common agendas of the energy sector more effectively.