The National Electrification Administration (NEA) welcomed on Monday distinguished representatives from the energy sector of Nepal, who are taking a five-day “exposure visit” in the Philippines to learn from its experiences in energizing remote communities amid constant challenges.

NEA Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda emphasized the agency’s commitment to achieve total electrification as enshrined in its mandate. “The program carries significance not only for the sake of national development, but also because of its critical role in uplifting the lives of Filipinos,” he said.

Administrator Almeda talked briefly about the history of the NEA, dating back to its creation in 1973, as well as the succeeding laws that govern its programs today in pursuit of its mission to support nation-building efforts through rural electrification development.

Key agency officials discussed the Electricity Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA), the NEA’s working relationships with its partner electric cooperatives (ECs), and the different approaches they have been applying to implement state-funded energy projects.

Administrator Almeda highlighted two guiding principles that drive the NEA’s actions under his leadership: community involvement and collaborative regulation.

“Rural electrification is a community centered endeavor. Its success is dependent on, and measured against, our ability to involve the consumers we serve and to understand their needs,” he said.

“While the presence of a regulator, such as NEA, is important. The exercise of regulatory powers must be done with the end goal of promoting, rather than restricting, the rural electrification agenda,” the Administrator added.

The visiting delegates include Nepal Electricity Authority Community Rural Electrification Department Chief Jang Bahadur Chand, Provincial Chief Bikram Kumar Amatya with National Association of Community Electricity Users Nepal Chairperson Narayan Gyawali and Account Officer Rabindra Kafle.

Also with the group are energy advisors Ojash Man Singh, Rojen Kumar Shrestha, and junior energy advisor Sabi Khatri from GIZ Nepal, an economic development agency working with the Nepal government on its sustainable energy initiatives.

They are also scheduled to visit Luzon-based ECs this week such as PENELCO (Bataan), PELCO 1 (Pampanga), and BATELEC II (Batangas) to gain deeper understanding of their daily operations and the challenges they encounter in delivering electricity services to their respective customers. ###