KATHMANDU: Four industries in Rupandehi that had been using electricity through dedicated and trunk lines have paid the first installment of their outstanding premium electricity charges to the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA).

The industries—Panchakanya Plastic, Panchakanya Steel Industries, Siddhartha Petplant, and Shyam Plastic—operating in the Bhairahawa area, cleared the first installment of their dues on Monday.

Following the payment, the previously disconnected electricity lines to these industries were reconnected, NEA confirmed.

The dues cover the period from February 2015 to May 2018 for using dedicated and trunk lines.

The total outstanding amounts were: Rs 2.46 million for Panchakanya Plastic, Rs 5.21 million for Panchakanya Steel, Rs 18.30 million for Siddhartha Petplant, and Rs 4.91 million for Shyam Plastic.

The dues have been divided into 28 installments, with the industries now paying the first installment.