Power Trade Agreement would be Reached with Bangladesh Soon: Energy Minister

The Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, Shakti Bahadur Basnet, has confirmed that a power trade agreement with Bangladesh is on the horizon. Speaking to journalists at Bharatpur airport today, he emphasized that the official announcement of the agreement will be made within this year. Basnet explained, "Some details are yet to be formalized, and we are in the final phases. Once the agreement is signed, it will go into execution."

Minister Basnet also highlighted Nepal's growing self-sufficiency in electricity production, both during the dry and monsoon seasons. He stated, "We are on the path to complete self-sufficiency in electricity, and this will resolve many existing issues." He asserted that the challenge of surplus electricity during the rainy season and shortages during the dry season would be swiftly addressed. Efforts are underway to enhance the distribution system by increasing production.

Moreover, Basnet noted that electrification, which previously covered only 50 percent of the country, has now expanded to cover 90 percent. He expressed confidence that the present issues would be resolved in the upcoming dry season. The government is actively engaged in streamlining energy production, transmission, and distribution through a comprehensive plan.

In addition to these efforts, the topic of accessible power trade has been integrated into the overall plan, according to the Minister. He added, "We are actively reforming policies and laws to make these initiatives more effective."

Source: Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS)