June 3: The government has announced various energy-related programmes prioritizing electricity consumption in the upcoming fiscal year. Despite the increase in power generation, the government could not come up with a specific plan to increase energy consumption. However, the government has announced various programmes to increase electricity consumption through the budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

The government has allocated budget for various programmes to increase power generation, develop electricity-related infrastructure, and expand the scope of electricity trade. The government has adopted a policy to increase electricity consumption in industries, households, transportation, and the public sector.

The government also plans to increase the use of electric vehicles. The budget mentions that the transport service of big cities will be gradually converted into electronic system.

The budget addressed the installation of charging stations in 50 places through the country. Charging stations will also be set up at petrol pumps. It is mentioned in the budget that the private sector will be encouraged to do so.

The budget also mentions that the kitchens of domestic households and public organisations will be converted into electric kitchen. For this, a campaign called 'Leave LP Gas: Connect Electricity' will be launched.

Similarly, it is mentioned in the budget that the subsidy being given for LP gas will be gradually reduced, and the subsidy will be given for the use of electricity.

The government has announced the use of electric stoves in place of LP gas cylinders from Singha Durbar premises within this summer. The government has announced plans to make all public offices and residences in the metropolis and sub-metropolis LP gas-free within the next three months.

The government plans to reduce the use of LP gas and petroleum products in the Kathmandu Valley by strengthening the power distribution infrastructure within three years. In addition, it is mentioned in the budget that public bodies will be required to purchase electric vehicles.The government has brought a program to gradually replace the traditional brick kilns with electric brick kilns.

Similarly, an arrangement has been made to give 15 per cent discount to the industries consuming electricity worth Rs 100 million per month. It is mentioned in the budget that electricity will be provided for irrigation facility at subsidized rate to make the country self-reliant in agriculture.

The budget aims to increase per capita electricity consumption to 400 kWh annually by increasing energy consumption in domestic, industrial, transport, agriculture and irrigation sectors next year. At present, the per capita, electricity consumption is 325 kWh. The government has announced plans to provide access to electricity to all citizens in the next two years.