NEA employees oppose govt reconnection of power to defaulting industries

Kathmandu / Nov 11: Employees of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) have protested against the government’s recent decision to reconnect power lines to industries that have failed to pay their dues. The decision, made by the Council of Ministers, allows defaulting industries to restore their electricity supply despite outstanding arrears.

On Monday, two employee unions—the NEA Employees Welfare Council and the National Employees Union—submitted a memorandum to Energy Minister Deepak Khadka, warning of a strike if the government’s decision is implemented. They criticized the move as unfair, arguing that it favors large industrial players while sidelining the interests of smaller consumers who pay their dues on time.

The unions stated that the Cabinet’s decision undermines the established policy of collecting arrears in installments. They emphasized that while some industries have started paying their dues in installments, others continue to default, and allowing them to resume electricity supply without settlement is unjust.

The NEA had previously disconnected power to 34 industries on October 24 due to non-payment of dues. Six of those industries have since begun paying in installments, and their power has been restored. However, 28 industries remain disconnected.

In response to the Cabinet’s decision on Sunday, which calls for the immediate reconnection of power to all affected industries, the NEA employee unions warned of escalating protests if the decision is not reversed.

The government’s rationale behind the move is to prevent further disruptions in industrial production, which has been affecting revenue generation. However, the NEA employees argue that this decision sets a dangerous precedent and could result in unfair treatment of other consumers.