Electricity Regulatory Commission Rejects Claims in Dedicated and Trunk Line Tariff Dispute Involving Industrialists

Kathmandu. The Electricity Regulatory Commission has decided that the claims made by industrialists regarding the dedicated and trunk line tariff dispute are insufficient. The Commission made this decision on Sunday while hearing the cases concerning Panchakanya Plastic and Panchakanya Steel.

They had filed an application with the Commission seeking the cancellation of the decision to recover outstanding electricity bills from consumers who received power through dedicated feeders and trunk lines from the Nepal Electricity Authority, and demanding compensation. The application was heard by the Commission.

According to the Authority, Panchakanya Plastic owes Rs 2,463,000 in outstanding tariffs, and Panchakanya Steel owes Rs 5,211,000. Following the Authority's request, Panchakanya Plastic has already paid Rs 77,975, and Panchakanya Steel has paid Rs 186,000 towards the tariff.

According to Commission Chairman Ram Prasad Dhital, the decision was made that the industrialists' claims were insufficient. Following the Commission's decision, the path is now clear for the Authority to collect the additional tariffs. If dissatisfied with the Commission's decision, the business owners can also approach the court.

The Commission has been continuously hearing tariff-related matters. The Commission makes necessary decisions based on prevailing laws, regulations, and past precedents. Legal practitioners for the applicants and three officials from the legal department representing the Authority were present during the hearing.

The Commission, which serves as the regulatory body for Nepal's energy sector, has been resolving disputes in this sector. The applicant only has the option to go to court if they are dissatisfied with the decision made by the Commission.