Ganesh Karki, President of the Independent Power Producers’ Association of Nepal (IPPAN), has stated that although electricity production is increasing, the state lacks a clear plan on how to consume that electricity.

While giving suggestions at the program titled “Economic Agenda in Party Manifestos” organized by the Nepal Economic Journalists’ Association in Kathmandu on Sunday, President Karki said that merely increasing electricity generation is not enough; concrete plans for consumption, trade, and export are essential.

He emphasized that political parties should commit through their manifestos to reform policies related to the consumption, export, and trade of generated electricity, and should focus on effective implementation of those commitments.

According to President Karki, as electricity production increases, the main challenge now is managing the generated power and ensuring a market for it. He also demanded that the private sector be given opportunities in electricity export and trade.

“Producing electricity alone is not sufficient; there must be consumption plans. There should be a system for the Nepal Electricity Authority to purchase electricity produced by the private sector; otherwise, there should be a provision to return licenses,” Karki said. “The private sector must be allowed to trade electricity. Policies must be made to protect the private sector.”

He stressed that the state must formulate clear policies to ensure consumption and market access for electricity produced through private sector investment. He added that policies are needed to encourage private investment in the energy sector, liberalize trade, and make export procedures easier.

Jalasarokar