Kathmandu. The Electricity Regulatory Commission (ERC) has endorsed the Nepal Electricity Authority’s (NEA) decision to recover outstanding tariff dues from industries using ‘Dedicated’ and ‘Trunk Line’ power connections.
In a hearing on complaints filed by Panchakanya Plastic Industries Pvt Ltd and Panchakanya Steel, the ERC refused to issue an interim order and upheld NEA’s move to raise the pending charges for electricity consumed through the special feeders.
Both industries had long resisted paying the tariff determined for dedicated feeders and trunk lines. After repeated reminders, the NEA had disconnected power supply to the industries on October 21 and 22, following a 21-day ultimatum.
Citing legal provisions allowing action against consumers who fail to clear dues within the specified period, the ERC validated NEA’s decision to cut electricity supply.
However, the Commission noted that industrial consumers still have the option to challenge the ruling in court if they are dissatisfied with the decision.
