KATHMANDU: The National Association of Community Electricity Users-Nepal has urged the government to clearly ensure the role of local governments and community institutions in the restructuring of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA).
Issuing a statement, Association Chair Narayan Gyawali said that empowering local levels is essential to make the electricity distribution system more efficient, reduce leakage, and improve service delivery.
He said that only through active participation of local governments and community-based organizations can electricity services become faster, more efficient, and accountable.
The Association has also demanded the immediate withdrawal of the five percent VAT imposed on consumers using more than 50 units of electricity.
It has further called for a review of electricity tariff rates to make them more scientific, practical, and community-friendly. It has also urged the government to introduce special concessional packages to increase electricity consumption in agriculture, irrigation, and industrial sectors.
The Association noted that Nepal currently has an electricity generation capacity of around 4,900 megawatts, stressing the need for policy reforms to increase domestic consumption of the generated power.
It said that boosting internal electricity use is crucial for maximizing the benefits of national energy production and reducing dependency on external markets.
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