Tighter dues recovery, prompt service: Energy minister directs Nepal Electricity Authority

Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha has directed the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) to tighten the collection of dues from industries. He gave this direction while inspecting the Kulekhani reservoir on Saturday.

According to Minister Shrestha, demand of about 40 MW of electricity has come from the Hetauda industrial area. He has said that this demand should be addressed and that industries that have not paid their dues should be reminded through a circular. Noting that public anger has grown because people did not receive information in time about supply problems, he has directed that information dissemination be improved.

At a discussion held at the NEA's Bagmati Province Division Office in Hetauda, the minister asked that customers be given accurate information promptly when lines are disrupted or tripped due to weather problems, and that distribution offices resolve such problems immediately. He has also directed special attention to digital payment, load management, loss control and regular maintenance of infrastructure.

The minister praised the work done by staff to restore electricity service during disasters. He said that although efforts to improve service have been positive, much work still remains.