The government on Tuesday formed a three-member committee led by a former Supreme Court justice to investigate a row between the Nepal Electricity Authority and industries regarding outstanding electricity bills.

A Cabinet meeting formed the committee led by former Justice Girish Chandra Lal which includes joint secretaries from energy ministry and industry ministry as members, said Minister for Forest and Environment Birendra Mahato.

The state-owned power utility and industries are at odds over dues for electricity supplied to them through dedicated feeders and trunk lines when the country was experiencing power cuts.

The Cabinet also directed the NEA to reconnect the power supply.

According to the NEA, 61 industries are yet to clear their dues. In the past two weeks, the power utility cut supply to 24 industries over outstanding dues.