NEA employees warn of protests if lines are reconnected without payment of dues

Kathmand, November 11 — Employees of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) have stated that the government's decision to connect power lines for industrial customers cannot be implemented unless they pay the dues for dedicated and trunkline charges.

On Monday, the Nepal Electricity Authority Employees Welfare Council and the National Employees Union issued a joint statement, warning that if lines are connected forcibly, they will inform the public and initiate a protest movement.

Reminding that regular consumers' power supply will be cut off if bills are not paid within 60 days, the employees emphasized that industrial customers should not be treated differently.

The employees criticized the government's decision to connect power lines for industries with billions in unpaid dues, saying that it is unfair to favor large businesses while disregarding small ones. They argued that all customers should be treated equally.

The employees also warned the government, stating that the NEA must work according to the existing laws, regulations, and guidelines for revenue collection, and that going against these would be detrimental.

This comes after the Cabinet meeting on Sunday, which decided to immediately connect the power lines for industries that have not paid their dues.