KATHMANDU: The Dolakha Distribution Center of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has turned off the energy for 715 customers who haven't paid their bills in over a year. By the end of the 2023–2024 fiscal year, 108 customers had also been added to the Center's blacklist because of similar non-payment issues. The lawsuit brought in the recovery of approximately Rs. 6.27 million from these accounts during the course of the preceding year.

A campaign to cut power lines for those who have not paid their tariffs for 60 days has been started by the 41,990-customer Center. This action has reduced the number of non-paying clients and attempts to address the growing issue of unpaid invoices. Significant arrears will result in disconnection, and the Center intends to progressively settle all past-due accounts.

Netra Mani Neupane, the chief of Dolakha Distribution Centre, indicated that customers who do not settle their dues even six months after disconnection will be blacklisted. The Centre is also implementing stricter measures against illegal electricity use, including power theft, with plans to confiscate meters and blacklist offenders.

The billing system includes a 2% discount for payments made within seven days of meter reading. Payments made between the 16th and 30th day incur a 5% additional charge, while those made from the 31st to the 40th day face a 10% additional fee. An additional 25% charge applies after the 40th day, and disconnection occurs if the bill remains unpaid by the 60th day.