PM Dahal insists on exploring middle-way for addressing trunk, dedicated power line disputes

KATHMANDU, JANUARY 9: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has called upon relevant authorities to seek a middle-way for finding a solution to the ongoing dispute concerning trunk and dedicated electricity line tariffs. In a discussion held at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers yesterday, the Prime Minister underlined the need to not only facilitate the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) to recover its dues but also support the industries to resume their operations promptly.

He suggested considering the directives of the Commission for the Abuse of Authority and various committees under the federal parliament while exploring ways to sort out the dispute.

During the meeting, Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, Shakti Bahadur Basnet, assured that the government is actively working to resolve the dispute on trunk and dedicated electricity line tariffs in line with the available facts and existing laws.

As he said, entrepreneurs have been given instalment options to pay their dues, expressing hope that the matter will be resolved through consensus and legal consultations with the Office of the Attorney General. Similarly, Minister for Industry, Commerce, and Supplies, Ramesh Rijal, who was also present in the meeting, appealed to the government to facilitate finding solutions to the genuine concerns of industrialists.

The Ministry is coordinating efforts to establish common ground for the restoration of industrial operations, according to him. Government Chief Secretary Dr. Baikuntha Aryal was of the view of seeking solutions following decisions made by the Electricity Regulatory Commission and existing laws and working procedures. Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) Managing Director Kulman Ghising briefed the meeting about NEA’s priorities, duties, and plans.

As he assured, the disputes regarding trunk and dedicated power lines would be addressed positively.” The NEA anticipates reaching a concrete decision in consultation with the Electricity Tariff Fixation Commission.” Those present in the meeting included National Planning Commission Vice Chair Dr. Min Bahadur Shrestha and Energy Secretary Gopal Prasad Sigdel, among others.