STORY OF KULMAN GHISING

Kulman Ghising, born on November 25, 1970, in Bethan village, Ramechhap district, Nepal, is widely recognized for his pivotal role in transforming Nepal's electricity sector. His early experiences with limited access to electricity in rural Nepal fueled his determination to pursue a career in electrical engineering. Ghising completed his Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering from the Regional Institute of Technology in Jamshedpur, India, and later earned a Master's in Power Systems Engineering from Pulchowk Campus, Kathmandu, followed by an MBA from Pokhara University. ​

In 1994, Ghising joined the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) as an electrical engineer. Over the years, he held various positions, notably serving as the Project Chief of the Chilime Hydropower Plant. His extensive experience in hydropower projects and power distribution laid the groundwork for his future leadership. ​Prior to Ghising's appointment as Managing Director of NEA in September 2016, Nepal grappled with severe power shortages, enduring up to 18 hours of load-shedding daily. This crisis adversely affected daily life and hindered economic growth. 

Upon assuming leadership, Ghising implemented strategic measures to address these challenges:​

    Energy Management: He reallocated electricity during peak hours to high-demand areas, optimizing the existing power supply.​
  
    Curtailing Power Theft: Ghising launched campaigns to reduce electricity theft, enhancing accountability and minimizing illegal consumption.​
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    Hydropower Development: He expedited the completion of hydropower projects and upgraded transmission infrastructure, such as commissioning the 220 kV Khimti-Dhalkebar transmission line, which was instrumental in ending power cuts in Kathmandu. ​
   
These initiatives led to the elimination of load-shedding across Nepal by early 2017, a feat previously deemed unattainable. Under Ghising's stewardship, NEA transitioned from a deficit of Rs 34.61 billion to accumulating a profit of Rs 47.41 billion over eight years. Electricity consumption surged from 3.72 billion units to 10.23 billion units annually, and the electrification rate climbed to 99%. ​Ghising's leadership not only revitalized NEA but also significantly contributed to Nepal's socio-economic development, underscoring the profound impact of dedicated public service.