KATHMANDU: Prime Minister (PM) KP Oli has vocally supported industrialists amidst the ongoing dispute over ‘dedicated’ and ‘trunk line’ tariffs between the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) and the industrial sector.
During a parliamentary vote of confidence on Sunday, Prime Minister Oli addressed the long-standing tariff disagreement between the NEA and industries.
He asserted, “Industrialists must pay for electricity they have used, not for electricity they haven’t. Incorrect calculations cannot be justified under the guise of accounting.”
Expressing frustration, Prime Minister Oli criticized the NEA for implementing load-shedding despite prior agreements to provide uninterrupted electricity around the clock.
“The conflict has persisted for years,” Prime Minister Oli explained, “since the formation of the high-level Lal Commission to resolve the issue, extensive examinations have been conducted.”
He continued, “I have held discussions with the NEA Executive Director, Chief Secretary, Secretaries, and industrialists. Upon reviewing the matter, it became evident that the NEA’s calculations were erroneous. There is a need for reevaluation.”
Prime Minister Oli highlighted disparities among affected industries, “Some have had their connections severed, while others remain unaffected. Why is this discrepancy?”
It should be noted that Prime Minister Oli had last week directed the NEA’s Executive Director, Kulman Ghisingh, to promptly restore power to six industries affected by the dispute.
Further exacerbating the situation, during a meeting with officials and industrialists, Prime Minister Oli, accompanied by Energy Minister Deepak Khadka and Industry Minister Damodar Bhandari, emphasized, “Disconnected lines must be reinstated by Friday at any cost.” Despite the urgency conveyed, Ghisingh insisted that a decision could only be made by the Board of Directors following a meeting.
Sources familiar with the discussions revealed that, upon Ghisingh’s reluctance to act, Prime Minister Oli cautioned, “If you cannot decide, we will decide for you.”
Consequently, a board meeting was convened under the leadership of Chairman and Energy Minister Khadka. Yet, no resolution was reached as Ghisingh maintained that the Ministry of Energy should issue directives for reconnection.
In the face of administrative impasse, Prime Minister Oli hinted at potential consequences, indicating readiness to take decisive action against those obstructing the resolution process.
