Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: The government has decided to recover the long-disputed outstanding dues of electricity supplied to different industries through dedicated feeders and trunk lines based on the reading of Time of Day (ToD) meters.
Government spokesperson and Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, said that the cabinet decided to recover outstanding dues within 15 days and restore power supply to industries within 24 hours.
Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) earlier cut power supply to some industries over non-payment of dues.
“The Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation will calculate and collect outstanding dues from customers using dedicated feeders and trunk lines (including ToD meter readings) within 15 days as per the applicable laws,” Gurung said. “Since the power supply disruption due to disputes over electricity tariffs has led to decreased production, directly affected ‘ employment, and impacted the overall economy, the ministry must arrange to restore power connections to these industries within 24 hours.”
The cabinet has also decided to make public a report submitted by an investigation commission formed to resolve the electricity tariff dispute. The commission was led by former Supreme Court Justice Girish Chandra Lal.
Other decisions taken by the cabinet:
– Approved a $75,000 contribution to the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
– Accepted the resignation of Health Insurance Board Chairperson Dr Gunaraj Lohani
– Approved a land consolidation project in Mastamandau-1 of Safebagar Municipality-6, Achham
– Endorsed the Customs Duty Regulations, 2024 and Passport (Second Amendment) Regulations, 2024
– Approved participation of Lumbini Province’s Chief Minister and Chief Secretary in the ‘Sichuan International Urban Cooperation and Development Conference 2024’ to be held in Chengdu, China from November 26-28
– Authorized the Ministry of Forest and Environment to sign a bilateral cooperation agreement with Sweden
