KATHMANDU: Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) has urged the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) to resolve the ongoing stalemate and resume electricity supply to industries.
Speaking at a press meet in Kathmandu on Monday, CNI President Rajesh Agrawal claimed that industries have been paying electricity fees regularly. “There is a disagreement between the NEA and industries regarding the premium imposed on trunkline consumers. Industries have not paid the premium to the NEA,” he said. He criticized the NEA for abruptly cutting power supplies instead of engaging in discussions to find a solution. “This can send a negative message and adversely affect the business environment in the country.”
Dhruba Raj Thapa, president of the Cement Manufacturers of Nepal, said that the government appears more inclined to shut down factories than implement programs to revitalize struggling industrial units. Likewise, Jagadish Agrawal, president of the Sugar Producers Association Nepal, said that such immature decisions of the government could place industries and the market in a challenging situation.
Also speaking on the occasion, Industrialist Bishnu Neupane said industries cannot afford to pay for electricity they did not consume.
NEA has cut power supplies to six industries that, it claims, have outstanding dues running into billions of rupees.
Himal Press
25 Dec 2023
