Electricity tariff up 20%

KATHMANDU, June 29: The government has raised electricity tariff by around 20% effective from meter reading in the month of Shrawan (mid-July). The cash-strapped state power monopoly Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), which has not revised the tariff since September 17, 2001, will generate annual additional revenue of Rs 4.5 billion following the hike.



Electricity Tariff Fixation Commission (ETFC) Chairman Ganesh Prasad Subba revealed that there is no change for domestic consumers using up to 50 units per month. Those using up to 20 units per month will have to pay a minimum of Rs 80 while those using up to 50 units have to pay Rs 7.30 per unit. [break]



“But those using up to 150 units will have to pay Rs 8.60 per unit, those using up to 250 units Rs 9.50 and those using above 250 units Rs 11,” Subba added.



The ETFC had planned to raise the tariff from mid-February but the Supreme Court acting on a quo warranto filed by the Consumer Rights Protection Forum had issued a preemptive interim order in January prohibiting it from raising the tariff by more than five percent. The court had later lifted the stay order in April.

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