Kathmandu: The Nepal Electricity Authority, has raised concerns only when necessary, about the increasing complaints regarding the purchase of electricity from the private sector. The Ministry of Energy has stated that they will hold discussions on this matter.

Due to problems in the expansion of transmission lines in the Dordi Corridor, the planned capacity couldn’t operate to its full potential, and the question arises whether the government has failed to encourage the private sector to invest in electricity production. In addressing this issue, Minister of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, Shakti Bahadur Basnet, has stated that discussions will be held.

During the discussions at the Ministry of Energy on Friday with officials, including the President of FNNC, Chandraprasad Dhakal, Basnet mentioned that all problems would be resolved only through collective efforts of the government and the private sector. He further stated that internal discussions are also taking place, with plans to place the river corridors in the center and move forward with the necessary procedures to construct six transmission lines with a capacity of 400 kV in a short period.

Basnet’s statement also includes the government’s intention to involve the private sector in transmission line construction and electricity trade. He mentioned that the government aims to manage it with a policy framework.

President Dhakal highlighted during the meeting at the Ministry of Energy that the Nepal Electricity Authority’s focus on buying electricity only when necessary has led to problems for the investors as they can’t sell all the generated electricity. He also conveyed concerns about the issues in the operation of transmission lines in the Dordi Corridor.

President Dhakal urged the Minister of Energy to inspire the private sector to invest, stating that issues such as frequent power cuts and reduced industrial capacity due to irregular power supply need immediate solutions. He also presented a letter addressing the problems faced by energy entrepreneurs to Minister Basnet.