" We are ready to comply with the recommendations of Lal Commission" say industrialists

KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 28: The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has faced significant backlash from business owners after disconnecting the power supply of 34 industries due to unpaid fees for dedicated and trunkline services. The industrialists have accused the NEA of exerting undue pressure to collect payments without providing adequate justification.

In response to these disconnections, the industrialists met with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Sunday (Oct 26) and submitted a memorandum. During a joint press conference held yesterday, they demanded evidence from the NEA regarding the additional fees, asserting that they are willing to pay but require valid proof beforehand.

Pashupati Murarka, a former president of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), stated that businesses are ready to comply with the recommendations of the Lal Commission if the government adheres to its guidelines in full. "Let the government follow the Lal Commission's recommendations word for word, and we will too. The commission also requests evidence, and we respect that. We do not even need to pay in instalments," he declared. Murarka criticized the NEA for demanding payments for power lines that had not been utilized, suggesting that the charges were a means for the authority to showcase profits.

He added, "If someone asks for payment, isn’t it reasonable to request proof? We have repeatedly asked the NEA for clarity on what the charges pertain to—specifically, what days and months we supposedly used electricity during load shedding. Just provide us with the evidence, and we will pay."

Murarka highlighted that every industry has a Demand of Delivery (DoD) meter, which records power usage minute by minute. He questioned why the NEA was unwilling to share this data. "When we asked the minister in front of officials, they stated that the proof exists but wouldn’t provide it to us. How can they demand payment without giving evidence?"

He also noted that if the industries had indeed used power during load shedding, the government could charge them with theft, as stipulated in NEA regulations. However, the NEA has not made such accusations, raising further doubts about the legitimacy of the charges.

Murarka criticized NEA’s executive director, Kulman Ghising, for misinterpreting facts and misleading the public. He referred to an earlier report by the Public Accounts Committee, which recommended action against any entity using electricity for 20 hours despite a 6-hour load-shedding schedule. "We’ll pay if you can demonstrate that we used electricity for 20 hours during load shedding. But we cannot pay based on unfounded accusations," he insisted.

Expressing his disappointment with the government, Murarka stated, "The government has failed to make any decisions regarding this matter. Ultimately, it is the government's responsibility to resolve it." He urged the Prime Minister, Energy Minister, and Industry Minister to find a permanent solution. "If the government cannot address this issue, we will hand over the keys to our factories. They can take control and do as they wish. But we will not pay merely because they send us a bill."

He emphasized, "Our industries are like our children. Please do not treat them as hostages. If we are guilty, put us in jail—we are prepared for that."

Suryanath Thapa, the coordinator of the group representing the affected industries, asserted that no formal agreement exists between the NEA and the industries regarding dedicated or trunkline services. "In a lawful system, there must be a contract between the service provider and the consumer. However, no such agreement has been established," he explained.

Thapa mentioned that NEA regulations permit consumers to request additional services by submitting an application. If approved by the NEA’s board, extra lines can be provided, but at a 65% premium charge. "But when did we submit our application? When did they issue a bill? When did they provide the service? We need proof. You cannot simply claim that we utilized the service four years ago and demand payment now," Thapa contended.

He urged the government to clarify its stance, stating, "If the government believes everything the NEA is doing is correct, let them issue a formal statement through the Cabinet or Parliament. If we can pay, we will. If not, we will hand over the keys and depart."