Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has urged relevant authorities to find a middle ground for resolving the ongoing disputes concerning trunk and dedicated electricity line tariffs.
In a discussion held at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers on Monday, Dahal urged all concerned to create a situation where the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) can recover its dues, and industries can promptly resume operations. He directed authorities to consider the directives of the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) and various committees under the federal parliament while exploring ways to address the matter.
Speaking at the meeting, Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, Shakti Bahadur Basnet, said that the ministry was working to resolve the issue based on available facts and existing laws. “Industrialists can settle their outstanding dues in installments. We are hopeful that the matter will be resolved through consensus and legal consultations with the Office of the Attorney General,” he added.
Similarly, Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Ramesh Rijal, said the government should address the genuine concerns of industrialists. “We are trying to find a common ground for the restoration of industrial operations,” Rijal added.
Likewise, Chief Secretary Dr Baikuntha Aryal said the solution to the problem can be found by adhering to decisions made by the Electricity Regulatory Commission and based on existing laws and working procedures.
On the occasion, Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) Executive Director Kulman Ghising said NEA was hopeful that a concrete decision can be reached to resolve the matter in consultation with the Electricity Tariff Fixation Commission.
