Power Dispute Intensifies as Nepal Electricity Authority Cuts Supply to Several Industries

The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has resumed power disconnections for several industries amid the ongoing dispute over dedicated and trunk power lines.

Starting at 8 p.m. on Thursday, NEA cut electricity supply to industries including Arghakhanchi Cement, Ghorahi Cement, Sonapur Cement, Bhairahawa Automatic Rice Mill, SR Foods, Shyam Plastic, Gharana Foods, Goenka Foods, Cosmos Cement, and Baba Jute Mill, according to an industry source.

Additionally, power has been cut to Jagadamba Steel, Hulas Steel, Ashok Steel, and Hama Iron, as confirmed by NEA's Simara Distribution Center. Executive Director Kulman Ghising met with Energy Minister Dipak Khadka on Thursday evening, where he indicated that only a formal cabinet decision would prevent NEA from moving forward with disconnections. While the cabinet did review NEA's proposal, a final decision still needed to be made, leading the authority to act on its plan.

Previously, on Ashwin 24, NEA issued a notice requesting industries to settle their outstanding dues by Kartik 8. However, industry representatives resist payment, arguing that NEA has not provided sufficient proof of their electricity consumption. Disconnections may also affect more industries, though complete details are pending.