Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Biraj Bhakta Shrestha, administered the oath of office to Electricity Regulatory Commission Chairperson Dr. Ram Prasad Dhital and members Balaram Silwal, Lokraj Pathak, and Jayaraj Bhandari on Thursday.
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The newly appointed officials of the Electricity Regulatory Commission have taken the oath of office and secrecy. Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Biraj Bhakta Shrestha, administered the oath to Commission Chair Dr. Ram Prasad Dhital and members Balaram Silwal, Lokraj Pathak, and Jayaraj Bhandari at the ministry on Thursday.
Minister Shrestha, noting that experienced officials have joined the commission, instructed them to work towards policy and structural reforms. He also pledged the ministry’s full support for the commission’s work. The commission officials stated that they would focus on good governance in line with the spirit of the government.
Commission Chair Dhital said that the standards of good governance set by the government would be strictly implemented. He stated that the commission would fulfill its regulatory role under the ministry’s guidance and facilitate increased national electricity consumption, among other tasks. “The commission should receive policy guidance and guardianship from the ministry. We will work in close coordination with the ministry. This team will not disappoint,” he said.
The commission members, noting that they have worked in this sector for 20 years, said they would use their learning and experience to deliver results-oriented outcomes.
Minister Shrestha said that as a regulatory body, the commission should also supervise the Department of Electricity Development (DoED) and Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) under the ministry. He expressed confidence that the commission’s stature would rise and it would become exemplary under this team. He also suggested that the Electricity Authority’s procurement process should be reviewed according to a set schedule. “I consider this commission as an instrument of good governance. The commission should also address social justice. It should contribute to closing policy gaps. The law needs to be made predictable,” he said. Minister Shrestha stated that he expects the commission to bring about governance reforms in agencies related to energy.
