Energy Producers Demand Sunset Law Through Ordinance for Hydropower Growth

Hydropower producers have urged the government to introduce a sunset law through ordinance to speed up the development of the hydropower sector. Speaking at the 26th annual general meeting and eighth convention of the Independent Power Producers’ Association Nepal on Friday, IPPAN Chair Ganesh Karki said bringing a law through Parliament takes one to one and a half years, so the government should introduce the provision through ordinance and implement it immediately. Karki said the government has set a target of producing 30,000 megawatts of electricity in its commitment paper, and work should begin immediately by bringing such a focused legal provision.

Energy producers also urged the government to extend the required commercial operation date deadline for hydropower projects. They said the government should pay attention to concerns that the Nepal Electricity Authority may refuse to buy electricity from some projects. They also requested facilitation for hydropower companies whose IPO approval process has been stuck at the Securities Board of Nepal. Producers reminded the government that its 100-day work plan includes completing power purchase agreements for all projects that applied within 180 days. They urged the government to complete that work within the stated deadline.