Kathmandu, April 16: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Biraj Bhakta Shrestha, has directed all concerned bodies to ensure structural reform in energy and hydropower sector so that transparency would be promoted and performance made result-oriented.
He directed the subordinate bodies to submit detailed action plan with timeframe for the reform. The minister’s direction includes 32 points which range from improvement in energy market and system strengthening. Regular monitoring is stressed by the direction.
“The direction is prepared after rigorous homework and thorough discussion with concerned stakeholders. It functions as a guideline for our policy, plan and programme,” Minister reminded.
For the implementation of open access system by the Electricity Regulation Commission as part of electricity sector reform, wheeling charge would be determined in 30 days. It is expected to open a competitive power transaction between private and public sectors.
Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has been directed to furnish a report on disputes of power purchase agreement (PPA) along with alternative measures for resolving problems. NEA has been asked to submit a report on clear categorization of projects running on PPA, showing their status- delayed and at risk. In a bid to attract private sectors towards reservoir-based project, a policy would be in place to fix the license period for 50 years.
The overlapping of performance and responsibilities in various agencies like electricity regulatory commission, electricity production company and national transmission grid company would be removed and areas of improvement explored. As a new dimension of energy sector, a carbon revenue unit would be set up. It will be made responsible to register projects on carbon trade, verification and benefit sharing.
A publically accessible license performance dashboard would be established and updated every month.
Similarly, a national demand and consumption plan will be prepared jointly by NEA and the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre. The Nepal Power Trading Company would be made fully active and long term roadmap prepared.
An AI chatbot would be prepared to hear consumers’ complaints. Special attention would be paid to complete on time the national pride projects like Babai, Bheri-Babai Diversion and Sikta Irrigation.
Diplomatic efforts would be made with India for the Mahakali Irrigation project. The Sunkoshi-Marin project would be forwarded by contracting again.
