KATHMANDU: Hitendra Dev Shakya, Managing Director of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), has instructed subordinate offices to urgently ensure electricity access in drought-stricken Madhesh Province, particularly at sites where deep boring systems are being installed to tackle the severe water crisis.
During a meeting held on Tuesday with distribution chiefs from across the province at the NEA’s Provincial Distribution Center in Janakpurdham, Shakya stressed the need to coordinate with local governments to expedite the installation of electric poles, wiring, and meters within 5 to 10 days.
He also called for immediate installation of three-phase lines necessary to operate irrigation pumps, stressing that the process should not be delayed due to administrative hurdles.
“NEA is a service-oriented yet commercially run institution,” Shakya reminded officials, adding that the authority operates on revenue generated from electricity sales—not government subsidies. He urged stakeholders not to pressure NEA for expanded services without understanding the financial implications.
“If the losses of the Authority continue to rise, it won’t take long for the institution to fall into crisis,” he warned, calling for careful resource management and public awareness.
While making it clear that electricity cannot be provided for free, Shakya reiterated NEA’s commitment to supplying affordable power for irrigation and drinking water needs in the affected regions.
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