KATHMANDU: Industrialists have agreed to deposit one part of the disputed premium fee, divided into 28 installments, to have their disconnected power lines reconnected and to initiate a review process.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) on Tuesday, FNCCI President Chandra Prasad Dhakal said the industrialists have agreed to the proposal finalized on Monday in the presence of the Prime Minister and government officials.
The group of industrialists affected by the disconnection of their power supply due to the premium charge dispute also issued a statement, expressing support for the middle-ground proposal initiated by FNCCI President Dhakal.
According to Dhakal, the proposal involves depositing the disputed amount as a security guarantee, reconnecting the lines, and allowing the industries to pursue legal recourse. The agreement was reached with the participation of the Prime Minister, Energy Minister, Finance Minister, and FNCCI representatives. However, Dhakal clarified that the understanding was reached verbally, not in writing.
A possible breakthrough in the long-standing dispute
The proposal is seen as a step toward resolving the prolonged issue over premium electricity fees for dedicated feeder and trunk line users.
Following the Gen-Z movement, the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) had scrapped the ongoing review process and disconnected power lines to more than two dozen industries starting from October 20.
Raghunandan More, representing the group of affected industries, said they had initially called for the continuation of the review process while restoring the power lines. However, the group has now agreed to the FNCCI-facilitated compromise and urged for its swift implementation.
He added that all concerned industries are ready to issue checks for the agreed amount immediately.
Meanwhile, the government and the NEA have not yet made any official comment on the proposed arrangement. Dhakal said he was informed that the NEA would soon begin the process of implementing the agreement.
“I have already discussed formalizing the proposal with the Prime Minister’s Secretariat and the Chief Minister,” Dhakal said. “It will be processed through the NEA.”
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