Nepal Electricity Authority Facilitates Instalment Payments for Dedicated and Trunk Line Arrears

Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has introduced a scheme allowing consumers using dedicated and trunk lines to pay discounted billing electricity consumption tariffs in up to 60 installments. This decision was made during a Board meeting chaired by Minister of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, Shakti Bahadur Basnet, on Monday evening.

Executive Director Kulman Ghising highlighted that the Board, in a special arrangement, has provided the flexibility for consumers to settle their outstanding amounts over the same number of months or a maximum of 60 months.

Previously, industrial, commercial, and non-commercial customers utilizing electricity from dedicated feeders and trunk lines were repeatedly urged to clear their electricity tariffs, including premiums, through notices and public announcements. Failure to comply led to the initiation of power line disconnections from Poush 6, 2080, as per the Electricity Distribution Regulations, 2078 (Regulation 31) and Electricity Tariff Collection Regulations, 2078.

Out of 239 customers relying on dedicated feeders and trunk lines, 178 have timely paid their electricity tariffs, including premiums. However, 61 consumers, accumulating a total outstanding amount of 22.24 arba rupees till the end of Mangsir 2080, are yet to settle their dues. The authority has adopted a strategy of gradually disconnecting the lines of other industries in arrears.

In a notable development, Himal Iron and Steel, operating in Parwanipur under the Bara-Parsa Industrial Corridor, initiated payments for discounted electricity bills. After clearing the first installment of Rs. 27.10 lakh out of the total outstanding amount of Rs. 8.12 crore, the power line to Himal Iron was reconnected at 9 o'clock on Monday night. The industry has committed to settling the remaining balance in 36 installments.

The Nepal Electricity Authority reaffirms its commitment to financial prudence and compliance with regulations while ensuring continuous and reliable electricity supply to all consumers.