Kathmandu Valley Mayors' Forum Appeals to Finance Minister for Settlement of Electricity Dues

The Kathmandu Valley Mayors' Forum has submitted a formal request to Finance Minister Barshaman Pun, urging the settlement of electricity dues owed by local governments up to the current fiscal year. This appeal comes in response to a circular issued by the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) three months ago, directing local levels to clear outstanding electricity bills.

Led by President of the Kathmandu Valley Mayors' Forum and Mayor of Lalitpur Metropolitan City, Chiribabu Maharjan, a delegation reached the Finance Ministry on Thursday to emphasize the urgency of addressing this issue. President Maharjan outlined the Forum's proposal, suggesting a '60/40 arrangement' for electricity charges in the upcoming fiscal year, with local governments bearing 60% of the total cost and the NEA covering the remaining 40%.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the NEA's billing practices, the delegation highlighted discrepancies in the amount stated in the bills and criticized the utility for undermining the efforts of elected representatives in ensuring the well-being and safety of the Kathmandu Valley populace.

Mayor of Chandragiri Municipality and Forum General-Secretary Ghanshyam Giri affirmed the Forum's willingness to settle electricity tariffs from the upcoming fiscal year. Previously, the Forum had approached Energy Minister Shakti Bahadur Basnet to reconsider the tariff amounts levied on local governments.

Responding to the Forum's concerns, Finance Minister Pun assured the delegation of the government's commitment to addressing their demands. He pledged to engage in discussions regarding legal matters and potential amendments to laws pertinent to electricity dues settlement. Additionally, the Finance Minister directed the NEA to refrain from disconnecting power supply to local governments during ongoing deliberations.