Proceedings of

National Campaign on Market-led Promotion of Electric Cooking

in Community Electrification Areas

Launching Ceremony

Ajummery Bikas Foundation (ABF)

National Association of Community Electricity Users-Nepal (NACEUN)

Radio Sagarmatha

Preamble

The National Association of Community Electricity Users-Nepal (NACEUN) and Ajummery

Bikas Foundation (ABF) have launched a campaign on the promotion of electric cooking in all

communities electrified through the community rural electrification entities (CREEs) from January

2019. To mark the commencement of the Campaign, a Campaign Launching Ceremony was

organized on 25th January 2019 in Kathmandu in the gracious presence of the Honorable Minister

Mr. Barshaman Pun 'Ananta', Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation and Mr. Kulman

Ghishing, the Managing Director of Nepal Electricity Authority. At the ceremony, the Honorable

Minister Mr. Barshaman Pun ‘Ananta’, Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation,

released a campaign paper. The Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC) is the policy

partner, and Nepal Electricity Authority: Community Rural Electrification Department (NEA

CRED) and Radio Sagarmatha are implementing partners of the Campaign.

In addition to the Campaign paper launching ceremony, the event also included presentations by a

number of experts in energy sector of Nepal. The status of energy development and distribution,

present scenario of energy consumption, benefits of adapting electric cooking, Government’s plan

and policy for electric cooking, roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders and scope of

promotion in CREE area were the crux of the presentations delivered at the event. One-year

Campaign activity plan developed by the ten pioneer CREEs, and electric cooking and induction-

based products were also showcased at the ceremony.

The primary objective of the Campaign is to contribute towards people's wellbeing by eliminating

household air pollution through the promotion of energy efficient electric cooking in CREE areas.

This directly contributes to the Government's drive to promote 'electric stove for all households'

stimulated through the White Paper. The Campaign is also expected to contribute to long-term

energy security of the country. The Campaign coordinates and works with a wide range of

stakeholders including Government agencies, private sector, civil society, financial institutions,

academic institutions as well as development partners.

More than 70 representatives from government agencies, development partners, NGOs, private

sector as well as community electrification entities participated in the programme.1

Proceedings

Welcome

Mr. Rajan Thapa, Chairman of ABF delivered the welcome speech. He provided an overview on

what underpins the campaign and how the consortium was formed to start a campaign. The

welcome speech was followed by the presentation sessions.

1 See Annex III for the list of participants.

2Presentation1: Energy security issues/challenges and transitioning to cleaner cooking in

Nepal - Prof. Dr. Amrit Nakarmi, Institute of Engineering /Centre for Energy Studies

Prof. Dr. Amrit Nakarmi underlined the prospects of electric cooking from academic point of view.

He emphasized security of supply, cost effectiveness and environmental sustainability as important

dimensions of sustainable energy development. He also presented his analysis of how Nepal’s

reliance on energy imports has affected the country’s economy and contributed to its vulnerability

to external disturbances. He pointed out that the present energy scenario, government’s increasing

interest in the expansion of energy-based infrastructure, and efficient energy use are now favorable

for promoting electric cooking. He also called for the audience to support the government’s

campaign, “one house one energy house” and the declaration of 2018-2028 as energy decades.

He also discussed about socioeconomic and environmental benefits that a shift to green and clean

energy could bring to Nepal. He suggested that electric cooking is 50% more efficient than LPG

in terms of energy and economy. In order to tap in to this benefit of electric stoves, he suggested

that it is important to ensure upgradation of transmission and distribution network, digitization and

optimization through smart meters, net meters, residential solar rooftops, time of day tariff. He

also highlighted the importance of an integrated energy regulatory commission and the

involvement of the private sector in the generation and distribution of electricity, regional energy

trade (South Asia) for mutual benefits.

Presentation 2: Electricity Supply System - Mr. Uddhav Lal Shrestha, Manager of Nepal

Electricity Authority, Community Rural Electrification Department

Mr. Uddhav Lal Shrestha presented on the roles of CRED in the promotion of electric cooking. He

provided an overview on the progress in rural electrification, pipeline projects and the status of

distribution network. He added how important it is to increase the domestic consumption of

electricity- electric cooking is the prominent option. He also discussed the existing provisions in

Community Rural Electrification Program, CREP that allow the distribution system upgradation

to accommodate any increase in the load.

Presentation 3: Introduction to the Clean Cooking Alliance – Ms. Karuna Bajracharya,

Market Manager - Nepal, Clean Cooking Alliance

Ms. Karuna Bajracharya introduced CCA, which expects that electric cooking will become an

important part of the clean cooking mix going forward for bringing change in women’s life in

developing countries. Clean Cooking Alliance (CCA) is working globally to transform the cooking

pattern of people dependent on open fire and inefficient stoves every day. She shared CCA’s

experience from a demonstration project – 'Maximizing the Health Benefits of Clean Cooking in Urban

Nepal' - implemented in Panchkhal and Mandandeupur Municipalities in Kavrepalanchok district.

2 Presentations may be found at http://www.ajummery.com.np/resource

While the project was carried out in a small area and is still ongoing, the preliminary assessment

suggests some promising results – public interest and uptake of electric cooking options are

gradually increasing.

Presentation 4: Market-led Promotion of Electric Stoves: A Demonstration Project in a

Community Rural Electrification Area - Dr. Ashma Vaidya, Sustainable Energy Expert,

Ajummery Bikas Foundation

Dr. Ashma Vaidya provided an overview of ABF/NACEUN’s experiences from a demonstration

project – 'Market-led Promotion of Electric Stoves' – implemented in Baluwa, Kavrepalanchok

district. The project was conducted in the service area of a Baluwa-based community rural

electrification entity, which has a total of 850 beneficiaries. Dr. Vaidya highlighted the key thrusts

of the project: promotion and demand creation, accessibility – market system development,

enabling environment, and user education and after-sales-services for correct and sustained use of

electric stoves. A video3 was presented as a part of her presentation, which showed the perceived

benefits of electric cooktop and the project in the demonstration site. The video also showcased

the institutional capacity and readiness of the local community rural electrification entity as

perceived by the CREE Chairman and technician, in the market-led promotion of electric cooking

in the area.

Presentation 5: Electric Cooking Promotion in Community Rural Electrification Area

The presentation from NACEUN highlights the working framework of NACEUN. NACEUN

intends to ensure CREEs’ sustainability through efficient and productive use of electricity among

CREE beneficiaries. More recently, NACEUN has been playing a pivotal role in the promotion

and adoption of electric cooking in the area served by the Community Rural Electricity Entities.

CREEs have technical and social capacity to create favorable environment for the campaign.

CREEs’ technical crew are trained and are responsible for regulating and facilitating the operation

of the local electricity distribution system. More than 3000 social activists are working within the

network of NACEUN. This is a great social capital of the CREE and is seen as a key element in

making this campaign a success.

Electric cooking increases unit consumption yielding to increased electricity sales creating a win-

win condition for the CREE and the Campaign. CREEs see this as key motivation for them to

participate in the Campaign. However, still some policy adjustments and provisions are needed to

propel the campaign; NACEUN is geared toward advocating for these necessary changes at

different levels.

3 Please go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=jqPHmPuEUI4 for the video

Presentation 6: Approach of Electric Cooking Campaign

This presentation by ABF highlights the framework that guides the Campaign. The presentation

also highlights the importance of market-led promotion of electric cookstove, social marketing and

demand creation, consumer financing and user education; and discussed the potential areas for

collaboration between different stakeholders.

Launching of the Campaign Paper

Honorable Minister Mr. Barshaman Pun 'Ananta', Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and

Irrigation launched the Campaign by unfolding a traditional fabric print of the Campaign Paper.

Mr. Narayan Gyawali, Chairman of NACEUN, highlighted the key points of the Campaign Paper.

The Campaign Paper states that the Campaign will involve the promotion of electric cooking in

3,000 or more households in 10 pioneer CREEs in the first year (2019). In the second year (2020),

50 CREEs will be engaged in promoting electric cooking in 15,000+ households. By the fifth year

(2023), all electrified CREEs will be engaged in promoting electric cooking in 150,000 or more

households. CREEs are serving more than 500,000 households (i.e. ~ 2.5 million population) as

of now. Depending upon availability of support from various agencies, these numbers could go

up. The Campaign is motivated by the notion that a market-led approach can ensure access of the

households to quality and efficient electric cooking products at just prices.

Remarks on behalf of organisers

Mr. Sahaj Man Shrestha, Station Manager of Radio Sagarmatha highlighted the importance of

mass media in bringing positive changes to the society. He also called for the support and

participation from all stakeholders in the Campaign.

Key Remarks from the Chief Guest

Honorable Minister Mr. Barshaman Pun 'Ananta', Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and

Irrigation wished for the success of the Campaign. He thanked the presenters for their efforts to

make everyone realize the energy status, future possibilities and the issues of energy security in

Nepal. He also assured that the knowledge and information shared at the Campaign will be taken

as an important reference and feedback for the government’s upcoming plans and programs. He

added that the strong collaboration/alliance between NACEUN, ABF and Radio Sagarmatha for

the Campaign has kindled a positive/hopeful environment for realising the government’s

declaration of making every house an energy house/energy decade. He commended the organizing

team for taking the initiative, and promised on the behalf of the Ministry of Energy, Water

Resources and Irrigation to provide policy support to the Campaign. He also acknowledged that

the Campaign will help in strategic management of the targeted electricity generation within the

country.

Remarks from the Special Guest

Mr. Kulman Ghishing, Managing Director of Nepal Electricity Authority acknowledged this

Campaign as the most apposite and the first of its kind. He gave an overview of the progress made

by Nepal in the overall hydro-electricity sector, and also highlighted the existing conditions that

are favourable for the Campaign. He appreciated the consortium for taking the initiative and, stated

that he deems the Campaign as an opportunity to create domestic demand to complement the

increasing generation of hydroelectricity in the country. He promised to provide all the necessary

support for the success of the Campaign.

Vote of Thanks and Closing Remarks

Mr. Ramkrishna Humagain, General Secretary, NACEUN extended vote of thanks to the

distinguished guests and participants.

Support Organizations

The Launching Day Ceremony was sponsored by GIZ EnDev and Clean Cooking Alliance. NIC

Asia Bank, Winrock International Nepal and Practical Action also supported the Campaign

Launching Ceremony.

Annex I Planned Programme Schedule

Time Description Responsible/Participation

1.45 – 2.15 pm Arrival, registration and tea/coffee All

2.15 – 2.20 Call to dais Chief guest, Special guest,

AEPC, NACEUN, ABF and

Radio Sagarmatha

2.20 - 2.25 Welcome speech Rajan Thapa, Chairman, ABF

2.25 – 2.45 Prospect of electric cooking in

Nepal

Prof. Dr. Amrit Nakarmi,

IoE/CES

2.45 – 2.55 Electricity supply system NEA CRED

2.55 – 3.10 Journey to electric cooking in

Nepal

Karuna Bajracharya, Country

Manager, CCA

3.10 – 3.25 Experience sharing from Baluwa

demonstration project/video

Dr. Ashma Vaidya, ABF

3.25 – 3.35 CREEs as social change institutions Shyamala Nepal, Programme

Officer, NACEUN

3.35 – 3.40 Launching of the Campaign Paper Chief guest, Chairpersons of

NACEUN and ABF

3.40 – 3.55 Content of the Campaign Paper Narayan Gyawali, Chairman,

NACEUN

3.55 – 4.05 Approach of the Campaign Subarna Prasad Kapali, MD,

ABF

4.05 – 4.15 Remarks Nawa Raj Dhakal, Act. ED,

AEPC

4.15 – 4.25 Remarks Kulman Ghising, MD, NEA

4.25 – Remarks from Chief Guest Hon'ble Minister Barshaman Pun

'Ananta'

Vote of thanks and closing remarks Ramkrishna Humagain, General

Secretary, NACEUN

5.00-6.00 Networking high tea

Observation of product stalls

Showcase of CREE action plans

Press release

All

Annex II: Photographs

Mr. Rajan Thapa delivering a welcome speech at the ceremony

Prof. Dr. Amrit Nakarmi delivering his presentation on scope for clean cooking in Nepal

Mr. Uddhab Lal Shrestha presenting on NEA-CRED provisions

to support electric cooking in CREE areas

Ms. Karuna Bajracharya presenting on the Clean Cooking

Alliance (CCA) supported projects in the clean cooking

sector of Nepal

Dr. Ashma Vaidya presenting on the experiences from a demonstration project in Baluwa, Kavrepalanchowk

Honorable Minister Mr. Barshaman Pun (second from the left) and NEA Managing Director Mr. Kulman Ghising

(third from the left) unfolding the traditional fabric print of the Campaign paper

Mr. Narayan Gyanwali highlighting the key points in the Campaign paper Mr. Sahaj Man Shrestha addressing the audience on the behalf

of the organizing committee

Honorable Minister Mr. Barshaman Pun addressing the audience at the ceremony

Mr. Kulman Ghising addressing the audience at the ceremony

Mr. Ram Prasad Humagain delivering a vote of thanks to the support organizations and the audience

Organizing team and the Campaign supporters posing for a group photo

Participants in a session of the ceremony