Nepal rejects India’s proposal to increase power tariffs

Ramesh Lamsal
KATHMANDU, July 8: The electricity tariff being imported from India is not likely to increase immediately, thanks to Nepali delegation’s rejection to a proposal floated by Indian side.

In the 12th meeting of cross border power exchange committee concluded on Friday in New Delhi of India, the Indian delegation had proposed to hike electricity tariff as per the provision of bilateral electricity exchange program.

Executive Director of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) Kulman Ghising had led the Nepali delegation in the meeting. During the talks, Indian side proposed to hike the tariffs up to 20 per cent.

According to NEA spokesperson Prabal Adhikari, Nepal refused to agree India’s proposal as the existing rate of the power purchased from India itself was already higher.

Currently, NEA is purchasing power from India at the range of 5.55 rupees to 6.45 rupees Indian currency. Both the sides have agreed to meet again within three months, said the members of Nepali delegation.

Meanwhile, three more transmission lines are being developed for the bilateral power exchange between Nepal and India. Dhangadhi-Paliya, Sampatiya-Anandanagar, Mainasing and Nanpara-Nepalgunj transmission lines would be forwarded following coordination between the authorized agencies of Government of Nepal and Uttar Pradesh of India.

A proposal would be submitted for the decision at the secretary-level meeting of both the countries by making technical preparations to this effect. However, Indian side has stated that further studies were required for the development of Dhangadhi-Paliya transmission line since it should be constructed along the national park region in India.