KATHMANDU, March 13: The Electricity Regulatory Commission Nepal (ERC) has scheduled a hearing on the disputed dedicated feeder and trunk line electricity tariff for March 15.
According to the ERC, the hearing will focus on applications filed by Panchakanya Plastic Industries Pvt Ltd and Panchakanya Steel.
Under the existing provision, initial hearings related to such tariff disputes are conducted by the ERC. If the concerned parties are dissatisfied with the ERC’s decision, they may seek legal remedy in court.
Dedicated and trunk line tariff dispute remains unresolved
Some industrialists had approached the ERC expressing dissatisfaction over the tariff determined by the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA).
The ERC has been conducting hearings on such tariff disputes on a regular basis and issuing decisions based on prevailing laws, regulations and past precedents.
According to the ERC's notice, Panchakanya Plastic and Panchakanya Steel filed applications seeking a review of the authority’s decision regarding the disputed tariff.
In their applications, the companies have demanded the cancellation of the decision requiring consumers who received electricity through dedicated feeders and trunk lines to pay outstanding electricity dues, claiming the decision was unfair. They have also sought compensation.
For the hearing, the ERC has asked the applicants’ legal representatives and three officials from the legal department of the NEA to be present.
The ERC, which serves as the regulatory body for Nepal’s energy sector, has been handling disputes in the sector. Parties dissatisfied with its decision can later move the court for further legal remedy.
