Kathmandu, November 19
The government is preparing to let the private sector also trade electricity. This decision will end the monopoly of the government-run Nepal Electricity Authority in electricity trade in the country.
Private power producers and other stakeholders had long been demanding such a provision. But, the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation has been positive about the demand just recently.
Current rules do not allow the private sector to trade electricity. Therefore, the ministry is preparing to table a special proposal at the cabinet meeting to make amendments.
Stateholders say the increased production of electricity in the country is leading the government to this decision. It is believed that the private sector will find new opportunities to increase consumption in the market.
“Now, the private sector should come with a foundation to prove that they will be able to sell an amount of electricity in a certain way,” Energy Minister Pampha Bhusal said, addressing a recent event organised by the Independent Power Producers’ Association Nepal (IPPAN), “We are ready to give a licence to both companies and individuals.”
“As we contributed to electricity generation, if given opportunities, we can play helpful and effective roles in electricity trade also,” IPPAN President Krishna Prasad Acharya says, “The government being ready for this is a positive step.”
