KATHMANDU: Victims of the Aug. 10 Bhote Koshi floods who lost their homes and electricity meters are no longer required to pay electricity bills or penalties. The decision follows widespread complaints after flood-displaced residents were initially asked to pay outstanding dues and fines while attempting to cancel their meter registrations.
Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) executive director Dirghayu Shrestha stated that the board of directors has decided to halt meter reading and billing for customers whose homes and meters were swept away by the floods. He clarified that billing for these affected areas has been blocked within the system, ensuring that those who lost their homes are exempt from any charges or late fees.
Following the disaster, residents in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading districts faced mounting fines for failing to pay bills on time. Although some confusion persisted at the local branch level, the NEA confirmed that instructions are being issued through the distribution and customer service directorate to ensure the policy is enforced. While standard NEA rules require payment of minimum charges until a meter is formally disconnected, these regulations will not apply to the flood victims. According to government data, more than 7,500 houses were damaged or destroyed by the floods.
