Former Ippan Chairman Ganesh Karki Highlights Achievements in Energy Sector Policy

Kathmandu. Ganesh Karki, former chairman of the Independent Power Producers' Association, Nepal (Ippan), has stated that successful inclusion of pressing energy sector agendas in the government's policy and programs. Speaking at a felicitation program organized for the newly elected executive committee, Karki mentioned that the demands raised by Ippan during the previous term were taken seriously by the government and that taking these agendas to the implementation phase is the main challenge now. Discussing the achievements during his tenure, former chairman Karki informed that agreements have been reached with the government on issues such as fixing the duration of hydropower licenses to 50 years, completing Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) within 180 days, and resolving legal hurdles related to forest areas. He also stated that the process of implementing the government-announced 'one-door policy' (Wan-door policy) has moved forward and that the assurance of PPAs on a 'take or pay' basis for projects up to 10 megawatts has been ensured through the budget. Karki pointed out that some technical and procedural problems related to the Nepal Electricity Authority still remain. He described the uncontested election of Ippan's new leadership based on consensus and cooperation as a major achievement and stated that the team led by newly elected chairman Mohan Kumar Dangi is very capable and energetic. He expressed confidence that effective work will be done in the interest of energy entrepreneurs due to the good balance of old experience and the enthusiasm of new youth in the new executive committee. Speaking about the disputed technical issues with the authority, he said, 'Continuous discussions are ongoing with the authority on the issues of RCOD, hydrology penalty, and contingency. The new executive committee must show promptness in permanently resolving these issues.' Former chairman Karki expressed gratitude to all executive committee members, energy entrepreneurs, and members of parliament who helped strengthen the organization and establish its demands. Emphasizing that significant achievements can only be made in the coming days not only by the executive committee but with the active cooperation of all members, he stressed the importance of strong unity.