Practical Action Nepal, which has been working to increase the access of energy to the women and marginalized communities in different parts of Nepal, has shown that energy can transform the livelihood, health and economic conditions of people. With its vision, Prosperous Nepal and Happy Nepali, the government has also announced several inclusive programs and policies to increase access to energy and use it for broader economic development targeting marginalized communities and women. Started since 2010, Poor People's Energy Outlook (PPEO), Practical Action’s flagship publication, has been raising issues of universal access to energy, ensuring the participation of the poor in the total energy process. Given all these circumstances, the newly constituted Electricity Regulatory Commission (ERC) has taken PPEO’s bottom-up approach ensuring participation of Community Rural Electricity Entities (CREEs), women and marginalized groups in fixing the new tariff. With this new process, the rights of community-based institutions, women and the marginalized have been established in fixing energy tariff. However, there is still a long way to go to ensure broader participation, transparency and accountability in the planning to bring complete transformation in the livelihood of people through energy
By Keshab Poudel Sep 20, 2020
Having personally knew ins and outs of Nepali politics and political leaders, former President Pranab Mukherjee visited Nepal several times in different capacities. Personally he has high regards to the culture and religion of Nepal
By Keshab Poudel Sep 01, 2020
In the history of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), the last four years have been a period of progress and achievement. The utility took the country from a state of darkness to light. From being virtually bankrupt, NEA rose to become the highest profit-making public utility. Although support and backing from all concerned were necessary for the progress, Managing Director Kul Man Ghising showed his individual capacity, commitment, dedication and collaborative approach to work in a team and made this virtually impossible transformation possible. With constant support and backing from his colleagues, MD Ghising, a man from a remote Tamang village of Ramechhap district, showed hope taking root for a transformation that did not seem possible earlier
By Keshab Poudel Aug 18, 2020
Chilled by the proclamation of new map by Nepal, Nepal-India relations seem to be moving for restoration. The telephone conversations between the two prime ministers and the proposed first formal meeting between the two countries is likely to thaw the ice
By Keshab Poudel Aug 15, 2020
Almost thirty-six years after it was conceived as an alternative source of drinking water supply to Kathmandu valley, Melamchi Drinking Water Project, which has seen many political, technical, administrative, managerial and natural disruptions, has finally started the commissioning and testing process of carrying water to Kathmandu valley. Many ministers and leaders might have aspired to lead the ministry during the beginning of Nepal’s mega project. However, what a coincidence, Minister Bina Magar, of the same age as the project, is leading the ministry with a competent team of technically sound secretary Madhav Belbase for this historic moment
By Keshab Poudel Jul 12, 2020
Following the first installation of a hydropower plant in Nepal in Pharping almost 150 years ago, Nepal’s energy sector has been following two model hydropower and diesel plants to generate the electricity. Delayed in implementation for years due to several reasons, the World Bank-funded project started after the initiative taken by Kul Man Ghising, managing director of Nepal Electricity Authority. As the project had waited to come into operation in the scheduled time due to various obstructions, it has set a new record in mixing solar energy with Nepal’s hydro-dominated grid system. With the completion of the first unit of the plant in the lockdown, connecting the solar electricity to the national grid, MD Ghising has made another breakthrough in Nepal’s grid distribution system
By Keshab Poudel Jun 23, 2020
As the country is under lockdown, Upper Tamakosi Project has completed one of the most difficult parts of the work, that is, installing the penstock pipe in lower vertical shaft. Constructed under Nepali investment and supervision by technicians of Nepal Electricity Authority, the construction work of 456 MW project is in full swing, awaiting completion by 2020
By Keshab Poudel Jun 07, 2020
Nepal-India relations are unique and complex. There have been many ups and downs at the official level, from time to time, but the relations at the people-to-people level have remained intact. Despite the politicization of the sensitive border issue by individuals at the state level, social, cultural and religious linkages continue to stand strong
By Keshab Poudel May 30, 2020