RCOD of Affected Hydropower Projects Extended by Two Years

The government has decided to extend the Commercial Operation Date (RCOD) of hydropower projects affected by force majeure situations by two years. The decision was made during a board meeting of the Nepal Electricity Authority on Monday, covering projects impacted by earthquakes, floods, landslides, and the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Authority, projects that can verify such uncontrollable circumstances will receive the extension along with escalation benefits, and no penalties will be imposed during the extended period. Under the leadership of Managing Director Hitenra Dev Shakya, this long-awaited decision is expected to benefit around 3,000 MW of under-construction projects. Private sector energy developers have welcomed the move, calling it a major relief. Senior Vice President of the Independent Power Producers’ Association Nepal (IPPAN), Mohan Dangi, stated that the decision addresses demands raised over the past three to four years and described it as a positive and timely step for the hydropower sector.