Relief in Electricity Tariffs and Meters for Bhote Koshi Flood Victims, New Meters Free
The Nepal Electricity Authority has decided to waive minimum billing from Bhadra for customers affected by the Bhote Koshi river flood in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading, and to replace damaged meters free of cost. A study is also underway on additional tariff discounts as electricity service is being restored in the affected areas.
Kathmandu. The government has decided to provide relief in electricity services to families and businesses affected by the flood in the Bhote Koshi River in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading. It has been decided to provide concessions on electricity tariffs and meter-related services to customers whose homes, businesses, and industries were damaged by the flood.
Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Biraj Bhakta Shrestha said the concession in electricity services is being provided with the objective of giving affected citizens a sense of relief from the state during times of disaster. He stated that, in line with the sentiment of 'Our support to our neighbors,' necessary decisions have been advanced so that fees collected from other customers will also be used for the relief of affected families.
The meeting of the Nepal Electricity Authority Board of Directors has decided not to charge minimum electricity billing from the month of Bhadra for customers damaged by the Bhote Koshi flood.
- It has also been decided to write off the electricity meter records of customers whose homes, businesses, industries, etc., were damaged by the flood.
- If affected customers whose records have been written off request a new meter to receive electricity service again, the Authority has arranged to provide a free meter.
- The Authority management has been instructed to study the possibility of providing additional concessions or discounts on electricity tariffs to customers in flood-affected areas.
The Bhote Koshi flood has affected electricity service in 15 municipalities. As electricity service is being restored in those areas, the management has been told to study and submit a proposal on how much additional concession or discount can be given on tariffs to affected customers.
Based on that study, the Authority is preparing to finalize additional tariff concessions and discounts this week. Relief and facilitation have been advanced to reduce the immediate financial burden associated with electricity service for citizens whose homes, industries, businesses, and other structures were damaged along with electricity infrastructure by the flood.