KATHMANDU: The restoration of electricity supply to specific manufacturers has been approved by the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), provided that the manufacturers pay off their outstanding debts within the next three months. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who rejected the NEA's earlier decision to turn off power to certain companies, exerted considerable pressure on the decision to make this one.

In a Monday morning board meeting, the NEA consented to reconnect the electricity lines of six industries that have avoided paying for dedicated feeders and trunk lines for the past nine years. The NEA stipulated that these manufacturers must clear their dues within the next three months to maintain their power supply. A board member confirmed that the NEA is currently finalizing the meeting minutes regarding this decision.

Last week, the NEA cut off power to Arghakhachi Cement, Reliance Spinning Mills, Ghorahi Cement, Jagadamba Synthetic, Jagadamba Steel, and Hulas Steel due to their failure to pay dues. The NEA stated that a total of 61 companies owe Rs 6.60 billion for dedicated feeders and trunk lines, with an additional 25 percent fine. Specifically, Jagadamba Steel owes Rs 1.60 billion, Reliance Spinning Mills Rs 753.6 million, Arghakhachi Cement Rs 448.6 million, Jagadamba Synthetic Rs 205 million, and Hulas Steel Rs 141.2 million.

The NEA initially resisted the pressure to reconnect the power supply, despite direct instructions from Prime Minister Oli and subsequent pressure from the Electricity Regulatory Commission. Oli clarified in sessions of the House of Representatives that his intention was not to exempt the industrialists from paying their dues but to resolve the prolonged dispute through dialogue.