Explained: How NEA, Kulman Ghising, and Unresolved Tariff Disputes Are Threatening Nepal’s Major Industries
Summary
Nepal's electricity tariff dispute under Energy Minister Kulman Ghising has led to halted industrial operations and job threats, due to aggressive enforcement of disputed premium charges without proper evidence, defying Lal Commission recommendations.
Key Points
- Energy Minister Kulman Ghising's enforcement of overdue premium electricity charges caused 25 industries to halt operations, threatening about 15,000 jobs.
- The dispute involves dedicated and trunk-line electricity connections with tariffs imposed without formal approval or verified consumption evidence.
- The Lal Commission recommended recalculating dues based on verified TOD meter data to ensure fairness and transparency.
- Ghising's aggressive approach, including power disconnections during festivals and overriding review procedures, has deepened mistrust and disrupted Nepal's industrial sector.
