Managing Director of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), Kulman Ghising, has challenged the authority of the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation to seek clarification or take action regarding his dismissal.  

Ghising made this assertion on Thursday, February 27, while responding to a clarification notice issued by Energy Minister Deepak Khadka on Tuesday, February 25. Tensions between Ghising and Khadka have intensified over the collection of outstanding electricity dues from industries using dedicated feeders and trunklines.  

This marks the fourth time the minister has sought clarification from Ghising. Previous notices were issued on October 8 and October 29 last year and January 6 this year. 

On Tuesday evening, Minister Khadka demanded a response within 24 hours through a ministerial decision. However, Ghising responded only after the deadline, arguing that the issue did not require an immediate response and that the limited timeframe violated principles of law and justice.  

In his clarification, Ghising stated that his appointment was endorsed by the Council of Ministers for a four-year term on August 9, 2021, under the Nepal Electricity Authority Act, 1984. He further emphasized that, according to the Interpretation Act, 2010, Government of Nepal’s Operational Procedures, 2007, and the Nepal Electricity Authority Executive Director or General Manager’s Conditions and Facilities Regulation, 2061, the Energy Ministry lacks the authority to seek clarification or take action against him.  

While Minister Khadka cited dissatisfaction with previous responses, Ghising demanded a clear explanation of why his responses were deemed unsatisfactory. He also refuted all allegations, asserting that NEA’s progress under his leadership speaks for itself.  

One of the key issues raised by Minister Khadka was Ghising’s decision to sign an agreement increasing electricity tariffs for imports from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh without prior approval from the ministry.  

In response, Ghising clarified that the tariff increase was lower than in previous years, with rates rising by only 1.5% instead of the earlier 5.5%.

The revised tariff, effective from April, sets the price for electricity exchanged via the 132 kV transmission line at INR 8.1 per unit, up from INR 7.98 per unit in 2024.