KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation is preparing to advance a bill related to water resources, renewable energy, and energy efficiency.
Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Biraj Bhakta Shrestha has sought suggestions on the proposed legislation during a discussion with officials from the Department of Electricity Development and the Electricity Regulatory Commission.
During the meeting, Minister Shrestha expressed commitment to preventing wastage of generated electricity and ensuring the protection of public investment.
He stated that the government has set a target to complete more than a dozen strategically important transmission lines within a year, prioritising projects under the Nepal Electricity Authority and the National Transmission Grid Company in the upcoming fiscal year.
While acknowledging rapid growth in electricity production, the minister warned that the country could face debt-related risks if domestic consumption does not increase, stressing the need to prioritise electricity consumption expansion and transmission infrastructure.
He also highlighted the need to adopt a new modality for hydropower development in coordination with other agencies.
Emphasising changing global dynamics, Minister Shrestha said Nepal must rethink its energy priorities and urged the department to take a more responsible approach in issuing electricity generation licences.
He stressed the importance of ensuring investor security while maintaining transparency in government policies and decisions.
The minister further said the department should not only issue licences but also regularly monitor project quality, equipment standards and infrastructure conditions.
He added that the government is working on ensuring that projects handed over to the state in the future meet required standards, with the department expected to play a key role in this process.
Stating that he prioritizes governance reform over short-term popularity or ambitious claims, Minister Shrestha said employees will be assigned responsibilities and opportunities based on performance.
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