Biratnagar — The Koshi Province government has urged the federal administration to step in to resolve the ongoing dispute between industrial entrepreneurs and the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) after several factories were forced to shut down when their power lines were cut.
Chief Minister Hikmat Karki said the province was deeply concerned about the impact of the power disruption, which has affected not only the local economy but also thousands of workers whose livelihoods depend on the industries.
“The shutdown of electricity supply to major industries is an abnormal step,” Karki said in a statement issued Friday. “Differences should be settled through dialogue, not by disrupting production.”
Long-Running Disagreement Over Power Supply
The conflict traces back nearly two decades, revolving around the interpretation of “dedicated feeder” and “trunk line” agreements between the NEA and industrial firms. Both sides have long accused each other of mismanagement and non-compliance, leaving a string of unresolved billing and service issues.
Karki emphasized that Nepal’s economy relies heavily on the private sector and that industrial closures due to billing disputes were damaging both economic stability and public confidence. “When industries stop, jobs are lost and economic growth falters. It’s the government’s duty to ensure a stable business climate,” he noted.
Concern Over Investment and Security
Referring to last month’s incidents of arson and vandalism during industrial protests, Karki warned that such unrest could further deter both domestic and foreign investors. “We cannot allow insecurity to take root in the business sector,” he said. “The government must respond promptly and responsibly.”
Calling the prolonged state–private sector tension “regrettable,” Karki appealed to the federal government to mediate the issue and restore trust. “Koshi Province stands ready to facilitate talks between the NEA and the private sector to find a lasting solution,” he added.
