Kulman Ghising Defiant, Cuts Power Lines of Industries, Ignoring Orders from Minister and Prime Minister

Nepal Electricity Authority’s (NEA) Executive Director, Kulman Ghising, has cut off the power supply to several industries in a dispute over electricity charges, disregarding direct orders from his departmental minister, Deepak Khadka, and Prime Minister KP Oli.

Charge Dispute: The ongoing dispute revolves around the charges for dedicated and trunk lines, with industrialists insisting on paying based solely on TOD (Time of Day) meters. They have accused NEA of imposing excessive premium charges.

Minister and Prime Minister's Directive: Despite instructions from Energy Minister Deepak Khadka and Prime Minister KP Oli not to cut the power lines, Ghising ignored these orders and proceeded to cut the lines of several industries in the evening.

Ghising’s Ultimatum: On Ashoj 24, NEA issued a 15-day ultimatum to 49 industries, which expired on Thursday.

Board Conflict: The NEA board meeting on Thursday failed to reach a resolution on the issue, leading Ghising to take unilateral action and cut the power lines without an agreement.

Support from Maoist Centre: Ghising appears to have the backing of the main opposition party, the Maoist Centre. During their rule, Ghising was appointed Executive Director of NEA twice.

Although Ghising is widely popular for his success in reducing load-shedding, the current clash with industrialists over electricity charges has heightened tensions between NEA and the business sector.