Energy Minister Khadka clarifies govt stance on electricity tariff dispute
He stated that the responsibility to resolve disputes related to the Time-of-Day (TOD) metering system lies solely with the Electricity Regulatory Commission.
KATHMANDU: Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, Deepak Khadka, clarified on Thursday that the government has never instructed electricity tariff waivers for trunk line or dedicated line users, countering claims circulating in the media.
Speaking at the sixth anniversary event of the Electricity Regulatory Commission (ERC), Minister Khadka emphasized that while several allegations have been made against him, he has never exerted pressure to waive electricity charges.
He stated that the responsibility to resolve disputes related to the Time-of-Day (TOD) metering system lies solely with the Electricity Regulatory Commission.
“There has been widespread misinformation regarding TOD meters,” he said. “Consumers say they are ready to pay, but Nepal Electricity Authority insists the bills issued are accurate. So, the ERC must determine whether the bills are legitimate or not. The government is committed to ensuring that industries pay fair dues and that consumers are not exploited.”
Minister Khadka acknowledged past irregularities in Nepal’s energy sector, referencing the colloquial saying “rivers in bags,” to describe the earlier chaotic and unregulated practices. However, he asserted that the system has now been significantly improved.
Addressing the issue of pending dues, he called on the ERC to provide clear resolution mechanisms and affirmed the government’s intention to collect outstanding bills fairly.
He also expressed the government’s openness to working closely with the private sector to advance Nepal’s energy sector.
“The government is ready to amend any obstructive laws and eliminate a culture of inaction in all sectors,” Khadka added.
