Lawmakers Call for Private Sector Involvement in Electricity Sector Development

Lawmakers have urged for increased participation of the private sector in Nepal’s electricity sector, advocating for reforms in the Power Bill 2080 BS to facilitate such involvement. During discussions with stakeholders seeking amendments to the Bill, participants emphasized the importance of creating a regulatory framework that encourages private investment and development.

Gagan Thapa highlighted the need for broader space for private sector participation. He questioned the Bill’s provision that exempts power projects with 51% or more government investment from competition. Thapa proposed that local levels should be allowed to develop projects of up to three megawatts, instead of the currently proposed limit of five megawatts.

Janardan Sharma advised that licenses for power producers be issued based on their competency and urged the government to ensure competition in projects it identifies. He also pointed out that national parks have been obstructing hydropower project operations and called for easing these issues.

Bina Lama stressed the importance of securing the energy sector and called for a substantive plan for the development of settlements. She cautioned that while the private sector should be encouraged to invest in power production, the government should refrain from investing in these projects to prevent corruption.

Laxmi Tiwari and Kalpana Chaudhary echoed the need to incorporate the concerns raised during the discussions into the Bill. The lawmakers’ call for private sector participation reflects a broader push to modernize and expand Nepal’s electricity infrastructure through both public and private efforts.