KATHMANDU: Amidst the Nepal Electricity Authority’s (NEA) recent power supply cuts to industries over outstanding dues, industrialists are pushing back, asserting that they cannot settle payments without tangible proof.

As the NEA proceeds with the disconnection of power to 61 industries for alleged non-payment, industrialists argue that they cannot be expected to pay for electricity they have not consumed.

Speaking at a press conference, Pashupati Murarka, an industrialist and former President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, called for evidence from NEA officials.

“Why didn’t the NEA send bills on time? If they had done so when the electricity was utilized, we wouldn’t be facing this issue of settling outstanding bills now,” Murarka emphasized.

Expressing readiness to face consequences if found guilty of non-payment, Murarka raised concerns about the loss due to closure of industries following power disconnections.

Similarly, Rajesh Kumar Agrawal, President of the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI), accused the NEA of disconnecting power without providing supporting evidence. Agrawal contested the NEA’s assertion, maintaining that the authority disconnected power supplies to industries even after a request to provide evidence first.

The dispute underscores growing tensions between industrialists and the NEA, with the former demanding transparency and accountability in the billing process before agreeing to clear outstanding dues.