KATHMANDU: The Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers has directed the Ministry of Energy to implement the middle-ground agreement regarding dedicated and trunk power lines. The directive was issued through an official letter urging the ministry to facilitate necessary coordination.
Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) President Chandra Dhakal had earlier presented a middle-ground proposal to Prime Minister Sushila Karki and Energy Minister Kulman Ghising. As per the agreement, industries would deposit one installment out of the total 28 as a “security deposit,” after which the issue would be reviewed and connections provided. However, the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) refused to recognize the deposit arrangement, stating it counted as a regular installment, resulting in 11 industries still waiting for power connections.
The Prime Minister’s Office intervened after the Energy Ministry failed to send a follow-up letter to the NEA.
The letter stated, “Regarding the concerns raised by industrialists about high transmission line charges, and based on the conclusions reached during the meeting held at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies on Kartik 19, 2082, the Energy Ministry is requested to facilitate the necessary coordination.”
The directive instructs the NEA, the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, FNCCI, and other relevant agencies to coordinate and ensure a practical solution to the issue.
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