NEA Disconnects Power to Six Major Industries Over Long-Standing Dues

The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has disconnected electricity to six major industries for failing to clear long-standing dues on dedicated and trunk lines. Affected units include Triveni Spinning Mills, Shivam Cement, Jagadamba Steels, Reliance Spinning Mills, Ghorahi Cement, and Arghakhanchi Cement.

NEA spokesperson Rajan Dhakal said the authority had issued a 21-day notice asking industries to settle arrears by October 19, offering installment options, but no payments were made. Outstanding dues total billions of rupees, covering power consumed from January 2016 to April 2018.

The dispute, one of the longest-running between NEA and industrialists, had earlier seen recommendations for negotiated settlements. With disconnections now underway, tensions with private industries are expected to rise.