KATHMANDU: More than two dozen industrialists have appealed to Prime Minister Sushila Karki requesting that their electricity supply not be cut off due to outstanding dues.

The entrepreneurs, who reportedly owe billions of rupees for dedicated and trunk lines, submitted a petition to the Prime Minister as the deadline set by the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) for payment nears.

They have sought legal protection, arguing that they have been regularly paying the required service charges.

In their letter, the industrialists stated that they are ready to clear dues verified by the Lal Commission’s recommendations and supported by proper documentation.

They further mentioned that even in cases where the NEA had not supplied power, it demanded payments at special rates—an issue already under review following a formal appeal.

Despite this appeal being under consideration, the NEA’s board decided to cancel the ongoing process and issue directives to cut electricity lines, the letter noted.

The industrialists questioned which authority or individual has the legal right to initiate such action while a petition remains pending.

Citing the need to uphold the rule of law and the principle of equality, the entrepreneurs called for a special investigation into individuals allegedly misusing state power for personal or institutional motives.