January 29: The private sector power producers have expressed concerns about the new electricity bill.

They have requested the government to amend the Electricity Act 2049 and implement it instead of formulating new laws.

The energy promoters associated with Independent Power Producers of Nepal (IPPAN), Nepal Solar Power Producers Association, among others made such a request to the government during a programme organized by the Infrastructure Development Committee of the House of Representatives to discuss the 'Electricity Bill 2080' submitted for decision in the Parliament.

They argued that most of the problems in the energy sector will be solved when the Electricity Act 2049 is amended and fully implemented.

Most of the participants during the discussion also raised questions about the relevance of the new electricity bill.

Arguing the new bill proposed by the government would cause inconvenience to the private sector, they demanded that the existing law related to electricity should be amended.

They also said that the new bill is not friendly towards the private sector. IPPAN President Ganesh Karki said that the government is trying to control the private sector instead of encouraging it by introducing a new bill.