KATHMANDU, Nov 9 : The Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers (OPMCM) has directed the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation to implement the agreement reached between the government and the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) regarding the ‘dedicated line’ dispute.
In a letter to the ministry, the OPMCM instructed the authorities to enforce the understanding reached on November 3 in the presence of Prime Minister Sushila Karki, Finance Minister Rameshwor Khanal, Energy Minister Kulman Ghising, and the Chief Secretary. The meeting had reached a verbal agreement with FNCCI to simplify the payment charges and provide a mechanism for review.
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As per the agreement, industries whose electricity supply was cut for not paying the premium charge for dedicated and trunk power lines may have their lines reconnected once they deposit an amount equivalent to one installment out of the 28 installments earlier determined by the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA). The deposited amount will be treated as a security deposit rather than an installment payment.
FNCCI President Chandra Dhakal said that after depositing the security amount, industrial consumers will be allowed to seek administrative review and pursue other legal remedies. Consumers can also submit their objections and request for review simultaneously while depositing the security amount at the NEA.
Earlier, NEA had disconnected power supply to nearly two dozen industries for failing to pay the premium fees for using dedicated and trunk lines. Following the agreement, lines of industries that deposited the amount have already been restored.
