Dr. Ram Prasad Dhital Reappointed as Chairperson of Electricity Regulatory Commission

Kathmandu. The government has reappointed Dr. Ram Prasad Dhital as the Chairperson of the Electricity Regulatory Commission. The Council of Ministers meeting held on Wednesday decided to appoint him as the Chairperson of the commission. 

Dhital informed that he has just received the news of his appointment by the government. Dhital, who has also contributed as a visiting professor at Kathmandu University and an energy advisor to the Parliament's Infrastructure Development Committee, is expected to do concrete work in promoting electricity trade, regulation of cross-border electricity trade, and good governance in the energy sector. 

Dhital, who is preparing to take office on Thursday, said in a brief reaction after his appointment that he would work to make the responsibility of the regulatory body more effective. 

Dhital, who was removed from office due to an ordinance brought by the government, has been reappointed as the Chairperson through open competition. Dhital was previously appointed as the Chairperson through open competition on Ashad 7, 2081 BS. Dr. Dhital, who has more than 25 years of experience in the energy sector, has a very strong personal and professional background. 

Who is Dhital? 

Dr. Dhital is a highly educated and trained expert. He graduated in Civil Engineering in 1997 from the Institute of Engineering (Pulchowk Campus) of Tribhuvan University. 

He obtained a Master's degree in Renewable Energy Engineering from the University of Oldenburg, Germany, in 2002 and a PhD in the same field from Pulchowk Campus in 2019. 

He has also received high-level training in electricity system regulation from Florence School of Regulation, Italy, regulation and strategy of service providers from the University of Florida, USA, and energy and investment for sustainable development from LUND University, Sweden. 

Dr. Dhital's professional journey is focused on improving Nepal's energy sector. He previously worked as the Executive Director of the Alternative Energy Promotion Center for 4 years. It is believed that during his tenure, renewable energy technology reached more than 1 million households across Nepal. 

Dhital, who worked as a member for 2 years since the establishment of the commission, later became the Chairperson through open competition. Under his leadership, the commission's administrative, financial, and procurement regulations were formulated, and a permanent staff structure was developed. 

He has played an important role in complex issues such as electricity market reform, open access, tariff determination, and transmission charges. He has played a leading role in the field of energy policy and rural electrification in Afghanistan, Yemen, and Pacific Island nations (Vanuatu) besides Nepal. 

He has experience working as a senior consultant in organizations such as the Asian Development Bank, World Bank, United Nations, and International Solar Alliance.