NEA Dhangadhi Cracks Down on Unpaid Electricity Bills, Disconnects Power Lines for Defaulting Users

The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) in Dhangadhi has initiated power disconnections for users with prolonged unpaid electricity tariffs. The Dhangadhi Electricity Distribution Centre has taken action against 253 users, including government offices and individual consumers, who have consistently neglected their electricity bills despite repeated reminders.

The outstanding amount from these delinquent users has reached Rs 15.34 million. Mithilesh Kumar Goyal, the chief of the distribution center, reported that 180 consumers settled their tariffs following the disconnections, resulting in a recovery of Rs 7.83 million in the past month.

Interestingly, the Dhangadhi Electricity Distribution Centre has not spared even government offices in its crackdown. Seven government offices, including the land revenue office, survey, and road departments, have had their power lines cut due to unpaid bills totaling Rs 602,607. However, the recovery from these offices has been meager, with only Rs 148,640 collected.

Despite the strict measures, more than 79,000 users fall under the jurisdiction of the Dhangadhi power distribution center. The center has affirmed its commitment to continuing the disconnection of power lines for users failing to settle their bills promptly.

The electricity bylaws dictate that power lines may be disconnected if dues remain unpaid 60 days after the meter reading. Additionally, consumers failing to clear dues for six months post disconnection risk being blacklisted, allowing the recovery process to persist.