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The government has decided to provide immediate relief on electricity services to households, businesses and industries affected by the Bhote Koshi flood in Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading.

A meeting of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) Board of Directors decided not to impose minimum electricity charges on affected customers from August 17. Electricity meter records of customers whose homes, businesses or industries were damaged by the flood will also be deregistered.

Affected customers whose meters have been deregistered will be provided free electricity meters if they apply for new meters to restore their electricity services.

Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Biraj Bhakta Shrestha said the concessions were aimed at providing immediate financial relief to people affected by the disaster. He said the measures were being advanced in line with the government’s principle of “Our Support to Neighbors,” under which resources collected through electricity services would also support affected families.

The NEA management has also been directed to study additional tariff concessions or discounts for customers in flood-affected areas. As electricity services are being restored in 15 affected local units, the management has been asked to determine an appropriate level of tariff relief and submit a proposal.

The NEA is expected to finalize the additional tariff concessions and discounts within this week.