Kathmandu. Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Deepak Khadka has stressed the need of transforming Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) into an institution capable of providing uninterrupted, safe and reliable supply 24 hours a day.

Addressing the 40th anniversary celebrations of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) in Kathmandu on Sunday, Minister Khadka said that although significant achievements have been made in power generation through collaboration with the private sector in the past years, there are still many reforms left. “We are one step ahead of the citizens, so it is not enough to fulfill our responsibilities, we have to work in an inspiring manner with a sense of duty,” he said.

Stating that safe, quality and reliable power flow was the main need of the hour, he directed the NEA to reduce power leakage through the use of smart technology. He also made it clear that the private sector has been actively involved in the construction of transmission lines along with power generation and will also be involved in the sale of electricity in the coming days.

Minister Khadka also informed that there is a plan to improve the economic condition of the poor and underprivileged people by providing them shares of hydropower without collateral. He directed the authorities concerned not to delay the collection of arrears on the pretext of collecting the dues of the dedicated and trunk lines which have not been recovered for a long time.

According to Minister Khadka, the progress made in the energy sector is important to strengthen the country’s economy. Therefore, the NEA should work in a responsible and responsible manner and develop the capacity to supply electricity for 24 hours, he reiterated.

National Planning Commission member Prof Dr RP Bichha pointed out the need to provide electricity to all households. Ram Prasad Dhital stressed the need to strengthen the transmission and distribution system.