Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) Executive Director Kulman Ghising has filed a “note of dissent” against a recent decision by the NEA board to provide resources and data to a ministry-formed committee.

The dispute revolves around a three-member committee led by Arvind Kumar Mishra, formed by Energy Minister Deepak Khadka to study billing disputes related to dedicated feeders and trunk lines. NEA maintains that such committees should be established through the Electricity Regulatory Commission, not directly by the ministry.

During a December 19 board meeting, Minister Khadka proposed allocating NEA funds for the committee’s salaries, operational costs, and vehicles. The NEA board recorded the decision on Tuesday despite opposition. Ghising, supported by board members Ratan Ayer and Bharat Acharya, expressed concerns over the committee's legality.

“This committee should have been formed either through the regulatory authority or the judiciary,” a dissenting board member stated.

The controversy stems from longstanding disputes between NEA and industrial consumers over outstanding payments. NEA has resisted providing data and facilities to the ministry-formed committee, citing procedural improprieties.

The NEA board’s decision underscores the ongoing tension between the authority and the government, raising questions about governance in resolving utility disputes.