Kathmandu — Independent Power Producers’ Association, Nepal (IPPAN) has submitted a 53-point recommendation for the fiscal year 2026/27, budget and programs.
During a meeting with Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle on Sunday, IPPAN President Ganesh Karki presented the proposals, stating that the private sector is ready to contribute toward the government’s target of generating 30,000 MW of electricity within the next 10 years if policies and programs are introduced to encourage investment in the energy sector.
Karki said the government should move forward with policy and legal reforms that encourage private sector participation, including opening up Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), allowing private sector involvement in electricity trade and transmission lines, ensuring timely IPO approvals through the Securities Board, and providing security for project development.
Senior Vice President Mohan Dangi, Vice Presidents Ananda Chaudhary, Uttam Blon Lama and Bharat Khattri, General Secretary Balram Khatiwada, Deputy General Secretary Prakash Dulal, and members including Uttar Kumar Shrestha also attended the meeting. They said the private sector is prepared to support the government’s targets, but emphasized the need to create a more investment-friendly environment.
Finance Minister Dr. Wagle said the contribution of the electricity sector to the economy has been steadily increasing and that the government aims to develop energy as a key driver of the national economy. He urged investors to support the sector.
“The government is committed to advancing the energy sector with special priority. Its contribution to the economy is growing, and we will formulate policies to make it a leading sector of the economy,” he said. “The government seeks cooperation from investors, and investors must also move forward with professionalism and integrity so that the energy sector is recognized as a trustworthy area for investment.”
In its recommendations, IPPAN proposed declaring a “Decade of Energy Development and Consumption Promotion” and called for measures to help achieve the government’s target of reaching 30,000 MW of installed electricity capacity within 10 years. The organization urged the government to continue PPAs by considering domestic demand and regional electricity market demand until alternative electricity trading mechanisms are implemented.
IPPAN also demanded an end to the existing single-buyer electricity system, allowing private companies to participate in both domestic and cross-border electricity trade, including electricity imports from neighboring countries. In addition, it called for private sector participation in the development of domestic and cross-border transmission infrastructure to ensure adequate transmission capacity for electricity flow.
Urjasanchar
