Nepal’s electricity tariff dispute forces 25 major industries to shut, jeopardizing 15,000 jobs
Summary
A prolonged dispute over electricity tariffs in Nepal has forced 25 major industries to halt operations, risking 15,000 jobs and significant economic losses. The conflict centers on disputed premium charges demanded by the Nepal Electricity Authority under Energy Minister Kulman Ghising.
Key Points
- A decade-old electricity tariff dispute has led to power cuts for 25 large industries and threatens 15,000 jobs in Nepal.
- Energy Minister Kulman Ghising has aggressively pursued overdue premium electricity charges, escalating tensions with industrialists.
- The Lal Commission report criticized NEA's billing irregularities and lack of evidence-based metering for premium tariffs on dedicated and trunk lines.
- The industrial sector warns of severe economic impact, including losses exceeding Rs. 12 billion in past power cuts and over Rs. 1 billion monthly revenue loss to NEA.
