Power transmission network will be expanded to prevent electricity waste: Energy Minister

KATHMANDU: The power transmission network will be expanded to maintain a balance between demand and supply, preventing domestically produced electricity from going to waste, Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Biraj Bhakta Shrestha said on Monday.

Speaking at the 41st anniversary of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), Minister Shrestha stated that the ministry has a clear action plan to eliminate power wastage and maintain supply stability.

The Energy Minister pointed out that the primary hurdle facing the power sector has evolved over time.

"Earlier, there was a challenge to expand electricity access. But today a challenge has surfaced for sustainable and reliable supply of power to customers," underlined the Energy Minister.

"We have been moving in the path of reducing foreign trade deficit by exporting surplus power to third markets," he added.

Minister Shrestha stated that replacing old and dilapidated structures, capacity building, using smart systems, controlling electricity leakage, managing demand, and expanding digital technology in service delivery have now become essential requirements rather than optional choices.

Addressing the financial requirements of the energy sector, he stated that large-scale infrastructure development requires substantial capital beyond government investment alone. He emphasised that projects will move forward through partnerships with the private sector, financial institutions, development partners, and foreign investors.