KATHMANDU: The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has disconnected the power supply to an additional 18 industries for failing to pay charges for using dedicated and trunk lines.
According to NEA spokesperson Rajan Dhakal, power supply to Panchakanya Steel, Shyam Plastic, Goenka Foods, Cosmos Cement, SR Steel, Panchakanya Plastic, Bhairahawa Automatic Factory, Jagadamba Synthetic, Everest Rolling Industries, Gharana Foods, Bishal Cement, Butwal Cement, Nigale Cement, SR Foods, Siddhartha Pet Plant, Himal Iron, Triveni Synthetic Yarn, and Sona Minerals & Oils was cut off from Friday night.
Earlier, NEA had disconnected electricity to Jagdamba Steel, Reliance Spinning Mills, Shivam Cement, Ghorahi Cement, Arghakhanchi Cement, and Triveni Spinning Mills for the same reason.
Spokesperson Dhakal said the industries collectively owe over Rs 8 billion to the authority. Some industries have started paying in installments, while others have taken the matter to court.
“Of the 38 industries using dedicated or trunk lines, 14 have begun installment payments, while six have obtained interim court orders. Hetauda Cement and Udayapur Cement also have outstanding dues,” Dhakal said.
The issue of unpaid dedicated and trunk line fees has remained unresolved since 2018 (2075 BS). The matter was first studied under a committee led by former NEA board member Bhakta Bahadur Pun, after which the authority began efforts to collect the dues.
However, industrialists have consistently argued that they should not be charged since they do not use the dedicated or trunk line facilities. The dispute has reached the courts, the federal parliament’s Public Accounts Committee, and the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA).
On September 28 (Ashoj 12), NEA issued a public notice giving industries 21 days to clear their dues, offering the option to pay in installments. After several failed reminders, the authority cut off their electricity supply in line with Regulation 2078 of the Electricity Revenue Collection Rules.
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