BCANP Day 1 Wrap

Kulman Ghising takes Energy post; first order targets long-pending electricity dues

BCANP News Desk — Sept 15, 2025 — Kathmandu, Nepal

Energy reformer Kulman Ghising was sworn in today as Minister for Energy in Nepal’s interim cabinet and immediately ordered the recovery of long-overdue “dedicated and trunk line” electricity dues from industries, marking his first policy move hours after taking charge.

Timeline (Today)

• Morning/Afternoon — Oath & assumption: Interim PM Sushila Karki inducted three ministers, including Ghising for Energy, amid the government’s push to stabilise the country after mass protests. Swearing-in and handover were completed in Kathmandu.
• First decision — dues recovery: Ghising directed authorities to begin collection of unpaid “dedicated/trunk line” electricity charges. Local outlets reported this as his first order from the ministry.
• Outstanding amount: According to NEA figures, dues total about Rs 7 billion across 28 industries.

Decisions & Quotes

• Dues order: The ministry instructed the Nepal Electricity Authority to prioritise recovery of long-pending charges from dedicated and trunk line consumers.
• Cabinet mandate: The interim cabinet, formed after deadly unrest, is tasked with restoring order and preparing elections around March.

Why it matters

The dues drive tests the new cabinet’s anti-corruption and fiscal-discipline message on Day 1, with potential cash-flow gains for the power sector and a signal to politically connected industries. It also comes as the country rebuilds after youth-led protests that left dozens dead and thousands injured.

Background

Ghising is widely credited with ending nationwide load-shedding during his leadership at the Nepal Electricity Authority from 2016, with power cuts in Kathmandu ended within months and across Nepal within about 18 months.

He was removed as NEA chief in March 2025 by the previous government, a move that drew criticism from supporters; he now returns as Energy Minister in the interim administration.

Interim PM Sushila Karki—Nepal’s former Chief Justice—assumed office last week following the protests and has pledged a clean-government transition to fresh polls.

What’s next

• Energy Ministry/NEA to outline a timetable and legal process for arrears recovery; possible pushback from affected industries to watch.
• Interim cabinet to publish an election and reconstruction calendar leading into March.

Sources

• Reuters — Nepal picks three with reformist credentials for interim cabinet
• Al Jazeera — PM Karki appoints ministers after deadly Gen Z protests
• AP News — PM appoints three ministers; elections plan
• Khabarhub — Ghising’s first order on trunkline dues
• The Himalayan Times — assumes office; dues recovery
• MyRepublica — Rs 7b owed by 28 industries