Kulman Ghising Defends NEA’s Financial Success, Challenges Industrialists Over Billing Dispute

Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) Managing Director Kulman Ghising has defended the organization’s financial achievements during his leadership, even as he faces a lack of government support in the ongoing dedicated and trunk line billing dispute. Speaking at a press conference, Ghising highlighted the NEA’s remarkable turnaround from a deficit of Rs. 34.61 billion eight years ago to a current profit of Rs. 47.41 billion. He also noted that electricity consumption has surged from 3.72 billion units to 10.23 billion units annually during his tenure.

Ghising pointed to significant improvements in the NEA’s operational efficiency, including a reduction in electricity leakage from 25.78% to 12.73%, which has generated an additional Rs. 12 billion annually. He emphasized that the electrification rate has reached 99%, and despite reducing electricity tariffs by about 25% over the past three years, the NEA's profitability continues to grow.

Regarding the ongoing billing dispute with industrialists, Ghising questioned why those dissatisfied with the NEA’s billing process have not pursued legal avenues to resolve their grievances. He asserted that the NEA has adhered to legal billing procedures and provided all necessary documentation to support its actions. Ghising stated, "We issued discount bills based on legal provisions and supporting evidence. If the billing was not satisfactory, the appropriate step would be to take the matter through the legal process."

Despite the NEA’s submission of billing evidence to the Public Accounts Committee, some industrialists benefiting from dedicated and trunk lines have been reluctant to pay their outstanding dues. In contrast, industries with lower tariffs have been more prompt in settling their bills, further complicating the dispute.