The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) has urged for a negotiated solution to the ongoing dispute over payment for electricity supplied to industries through dedicated feeders and trunklines, stressing that power cuts have negatively affected the industrial sector.
In a statement issued on Friday, October 25, FNCCI pointed out that repeatedly cutting off electricity supply to industries have disrupted production and hampered the investment climate in Nepal. "Such actions send the wrong message to investors," the statement reads.
The statement come after the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) on Thursday once again cut off power supply to the industries that failed to pay their overdue tariffs within the specified deadline.
The federation also called for the immediate reconnection of disconnected power lines settlement through talks involving all parties to address the dispute.
The differences persist between industrialists and the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) over whether power was supplied and consumed from various sources at different times. “This issue has remained unresolved for a long time," FNCCI stated, adding that entrepreneurs are willing to pay additional tariffs if electricity consumption can be verified.
To address the dispute, a commission led by former Supreme Court judge Girishchandra Lal was established at FNCCI's initiative. However, the commission's recommendations have yet to be implemented. FNCCI emphasised the need for the NEA's active role in resolving the issue based on the Lal Commission's report.
