June 16: Minister for Energy Shakti Bahadur Basnet has signaled at allowing the private sector for power trade and urged them to get ready for it.    
Inaugurating the 21st general assembly of the Independent Power Producers' Association of Nepal on Thursday, Minister Basnet said that the private sector would be gradually allowed for power trade.    
The context has changed immensely after the India visit of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal made a breakthrough in energy cooperation and added that the agreement of power export from Nepal to India will be implemented. "This is possible. Get assured that it will be implemented," said the energy minister.    
Basnet was of the view that huge investment in infrastructure development is needed in energy sector as the deal has been made to export Nepal’s surplus power to India and Bangladesh.    
On the occasion, Basnet pledged to move ahead by ending the obstacles since the government has fixed its target in energy sector. "The basis for the country's prosperity is energy. We are clear on this issue," he said.    
Likewise, Basnet said that a campaign would be initiated to increase power consumption in the country with nationwide electrification, increasing power consumption in industrial sector, substitution of cooking gas for domestic purpose and use of electricity in irrigation system, and bringing electric vehicles in transportation.    
"Now time has come for power trade by the private sector. Be ready for this as the government will join hands together," he said while urging the private power developers' increased role. -- RSS