Hydropower Development Policy, 2058 (2001) | ESCAP Policy Documents Managment

Meta Data

Draft:

Revision of previous policy?:

Draft Year:

2001

Effective Start Year:

2001

Scope:

National

Document Type:

Overarching Policy

Economic Sector:

Power

Energy Types:

Power, Renewable, Hydropower

Issued by:

His Majesty's Government Ministry of Water Resources

Source:

Nepal Law Commission

File:

Hydropower Development Policy, 2058 (2001)

Overall Summary:

The Hydropower Development Policy, 2001 was approved by His Majesty's Government on 15 October 2001. The policy defines Water resources important natural resources for the economic development of Nepal. In particular, hydropower development in Nepal could contribute to the development of not only the national economy but also the regional economy. To this end generation and consumption of water resources should be augmented. The document addresses: 1. Background; 2. Rationale; 3. Objectives; 4. Strategies; 5. Policies; 6. Provisions vis-à-vis Working Policy/hydropower development.

Access

Energy access priorities:

Rural electrification shall be encouraged in the rural areas affected directly from the electricity generation project. ---Rural electrification shall be extended in order to make electric service available to as many people as possible. ---To extend reliable and qualitative electric service throughout the Kingdom of Nepal at a reasonable price.

Energy access action plan:

An opportune hydropower policy is foreseen as prerequisite for supply of hydropower energy at a reasonable price by developing hydropower, which has the pivotal role in the development of rural electrification, supply of domestic energy, creation of employment and in the development of industrial enterprise.--- Electrification of remote rural areas shall be encouraged by operating small and mini hydropower projects at the local level. ---In addition to mobilization of public participation, a Rural Electrification Fund shall also be established for the purpose. --- His Majesty's Government shall gradually extend rural electrification. Appropriate institutional arrangement shall be made for this.

Efficiency

EE public awareness/promotional programmes:

Consumers shall be encouraged for demand side management to enhance energy conservation. --- Provisions shall be made to create awareness among consumers on increased use of energy conserving electric equipment and to grant special exemption on customs duties to such equipment.

Renewable Energy

RE priorities:

To extend hydropower services to the rural economy from the perspective of socio-equity with the realization of the fact that development of power sector, having a direct concern with agricultural and industrial development, is a pre-requisite.--- Hydropower potential of the country shall be utilized to the maximum extent in order to meet the domestic demand of electricity.

RE action plans:

Implementation of hydropower projects based on the concept of Build, Operate, Own and Transfer shall be encouraged.

Public competitive bidding/tendering:

Hydropower projects suitable to the electric system for domestic use as well as the storage projects shall be developed as per requirement on competitive basis.

RE public awareness/promotional programmes:

Rural electrification shall be extended in order to make electric service available to as many people as possible. [...] mobilization of public participation [...] shall also be established for the purpose.

Public investment loans or grants:

His Majesty's Government shall provide grant through the Alternative Energy Promotion Center to the domestic private sector to generate and distribute electricity by building hydropower center of up to 100 kW capacity at the rural level. Moreover, such projects shall be included in the prioritized loan sector, and facilities shall be provided to such projects accordingly.

Environment

Energy environmental priorities:

To implement small, medium, large and storage projects for hydropower development focussing on national interest, environment protection [...]. --- Contribution shall be made to environment protection by developing hydropower as an alternative to biomass and thermal energy.

Land use change for energy production purposes:

In addition to mitigation of adverse environmental impacts likely to result from the operation of hydropower projects, appropriate provision shall be made to resettle the displaced families.

Energy-water nexus:

In view of the contribution that hydropower development in Nepal could make in the speedy development of not only the national economy but also the regional economy; it is expedient to put forward efforts on integrated water resources development based on bilateral and regional cooperation with prime considerations to the national interests of Nepal.---To generate electricity at low cost by utilizing the water resources available in the country.---To adopt a broader perspective on national development in the context of macro-economy in developing and managing hydropower in line with the concept of developing water resources in an integrated manner.---The prevailing laws shall govern the environment-related matters during the construction of hydropower projects. Provision shall be made to release such quantum of water which is higher of either at least ten per cent of the minimum monthly average discharge of the river/stream or the minimum required quantum as identified in the environmental impact assessment study report.--- In addition to mitigation of adverse environmental impacts likely to result from the operation of hydropower projects, appropriate provision shall be made to resettle the displaced families.

Cooperation in env.:

Pricing

Renewable energy subsidies:

Energy taxation:

Energy royalty on the electric energy consumed in such an area [rural areas] shall be exempted. Such exemption shall be given until the first fifteen years of the commencement of commercial production. --- A Rural Electrification Fund shall be established for the development of micro hydropower and rural electrification by pooling in a certain percentage of the amount received as royalty. --- A hydropower generator shall pay the royalty [...] to His Majesty's Government after the commencement of electricity generation [...].

Energy pricing:

An opportune hydropower policy is foreseen as prerequisite for supply of hydropower energy at a reasonable price by developing hydropower [...]. --- Process for electricity tariff fixation shall be made rational and transparent so that electric energy shall be supplied at a reasonable price. --- To extend reliable and qualitative electric service throughout the Kingdom of Nepal at a reasonable price. --- For the private sector operated hydropower projects with capacities up to one MW and not linked to the National Grid System, the private producer may sell and distribute the electricity by determining the tariff rate of the electricity on its own. --- Provision shall be made so that the person or body licensed to distribute electricity fixes different rates of electricity tariff for peak, off-peak, seasonal and bulk, to be sold to its various consumers. --- Necessary provision shall be made in the electricity tariff structure to allow consumption of additional energy within the country. For demand side management, provision for time-of-day and seasonal tariff shall be made to harmonize with the supply of the electricity.

Energy Supply and Infrastructure

Infrastructure development priorities:

To develop hydropower as an exportable commodity.---Contribution shall be made to environment protection by developing hydropower as an alternative to biomass and thermal energy.---Hydropower potential of the country shall be utilized to the maximum extent in order to meet the domestic demand of electricity.---Electricity shall be supplied from small hydropower projects in the mountainous rural area falling outside the access of the national power system. --- To extend reliable and qualitative electric service throughout the Kingdom of Nepal at a reasonable price.

Regional integration priorities:

It is expedient to put forward efforts on integrated water resources development based on bilateral and regional cooperation with prime considerations to the national interests of Nepal. --- To pursue a strategy of bilateral or regional cooperation in the hydropower development sector taking into consideration the feasibility of hydropower in Nepal and the demands of electric energy in neighboring countries in view of the fact that development of hydropower in Nepal supports not only the domestic but also the regional economy. --- In view of the concept of bilateral and regional cooperation and taking into consideration the abundant hydropower generation capacity in the country, export of electricity shall be encouraged.

Trade

Energy trade priorities:

To develop hydropower as an exportable commodity. --- Electricity shall be exported by identifying the export oriented projects and developing such projects through the private sector. For this purpose, necessary study shall be conducted towards extending power system at the bilateral and regional level.

Standard power production and purchasing agreements:

Except in cases where a private party itself also distributes the hydropower generated by it in the Kingdom of Nepal, a power purchase agreement has to be made to sell and purchase the hydropower generated. Provided, however, that it shall not be required to conclude a power purchase agreement for the electricity generated from the captive plant to be consumed in any specific industrial enterprise in Nepal. --- Power purchase agreement should be transparent. --- If His Majesty's Government thinks necessary, it may, on mutual understanding, purchase the power up to 10 per cent of the electricity generated from the export-oriented projects for domestic consumption. --- His Majesty's Government may, if necessary, render appropriate assistance to conclude a power purchase agreement for the power to be exported abroad.

Import taxes and fee exemptions:

Exchange facilities shall be provided to the foreign person, firm or company making investment for the power generation, transmission or distribution project to be constructed by the private sector to repatriate the following amount from the Kingdom of Nepal in foreign currency at the prevailing exchange rate.

Advance rulings:

If the electric energy generated in the country is to be exported abroad, it shall be done as per the agreement entered into between the exporter and His Majesty's Government.

Investment

Energy sector investment priorities:

Efforts shall be continued for implementation of large storage type hydropower projects and multi-purpose projects. Large storage type multi-purpose projects shall be developed in such a way that downstream benefits resulting from the projects would yield maximum benefits to the nation. --- Proper provision shall be made to cover risks likely to occur in hydropower projects. --- Emphasis shall be given on mobilization of internal capital market for investment in power sector. --- Establishment of power-based industries shall be encouraged.

Financial incentives for energy infrastructure:

Appropriate incentive provisions shall be provided and transparent process shall be pursued to attract national and foreign investment in hydropower development. --- Rural electrification shall be extended in order to make electric service available to as many people as possible. [...] a Rural Electrification Fund shall also be established for the purpose. --- Capital market shall be mobilized to encourage domestic investment in hydropower generation. Financial institutions, bonds as well as other financial instruments as required for such purpose shall be developed. --- A Rural Electrification Fund shall be established for the development of micro hydropower and rural electrification by pooling in a certain percentage of the amount received as royalty.

Tax and duty exemptions for energy equipment:

Provisions shall be made to create awareness among consumers on increased use of energy conserving electric equipment and to grant special exemption on customs duties to such equipment.

Independent power producers:

Implementation of hydropower projects based on the concept of Build, Operate, Own and Transfer shall be encouraged.---Provision shall be made to hand over the responsibility of operation and maintenance of such small hydropower projects to the local cooperative groups and these groups shall also be involved in the course of formulation and implementation of plans.

Local content requirement:

Priority shall be given to utilize labor and skills of Nepal in the implementation of hydropower projects.

Investment climate development:

Appropriate incentive provisions shall be provided and transparent process shall be pursued to attract national and foreign investment in hydropower development.---Foreign entrepreneurs shall be encouraged to be affiliated with local organizations as the cost of hydropower decreases if the project is developed through the domestic construction entrepreneurs and consultants.---To pursue investment friendly, clear, simple and transparent procedures so as to promote private sector participation in the development of hydropower, also taking into account internal consumption and export possibility of hydropower.---To develop hydropower projects by attracting investment from private sector as well as from governmental sector, as necessary, and through joint ventures of government and private sector for the promotion of hydropower development.

Public Private Partnerships:

The hydropower policy should clearly reflect the direction on vital issues such as [...] appropriate sharing of benefits, role of public and private sector, utilization of internal as well as external market, and clarity and transparency in activities of His Majesty's Government with the private sector, etc. --- To pursue investment friendly, clear, simple and transparent procedures so as to promote private sector participation in the development of hydropower, also taking into account internal consumption and export possibility of hydropower. --- To develop hydropower projects by attracting investment from private sector as well as from governmental sector, as necessary, and through joint ventures of government and private sector for the promotion of hydropower development. --- To minimize the potential risks in hydropower projects with a joint effort of government and private sector, and to make provisions for allocating the non-mitigable risks to either the government or private sector based on their capability to bear the risk at the lowest cost. --- In the case of multi-purpose projects, His Majesty's Government may participate with the private sector in view of possibility of irrigation development. --- In cases where irrigation benefits may also be availed from any storage project, His Majesty's Government may be a joint venture partner with the private sector in such a project.

Bidding and Tendering:

Hydropower projects suitable to the electric system for domestic use as well as the storage projects shall be developed as per requirement on competitive basis.

Governance

Energy management principles:

Unauthorized leakage of electricity shall be controlled. For this purpose, necessary technical measures and appropriate legal provisions shall be adopted and, mobilization of public support shall also be emphasized. --- Any hydropower generation project has to be transferred, ipso facto, to His Majesty's Government in a good running condition, after expiration of the period of time as specified in the license. --- To tie-up electrification with the economic activities. --- In addition to mitigation of adverse environmental impacts likely to result from the operation of hydropower projects, appropriate provision shall be made to resettle the displaced families.

National policy structure:

Based on the experiences gained in the course of implementing the principles followed by the Hydropower Development Policy, 1992 [...], revision and improvement of the hydropower policy has become imperative. --- Legal provisions shall be made to prevent adverse effects on the availability of water or water right of the projects for which license is not required or being operated after obtaining the license. --- An opportune hydropower policy is foreseen as prerequisite for supply of hydropower energy at a reasonable price by developing hydropower, which has the pivotal role in the development of rural electrification, supply of domestic energy, creation of employment and in the development of industrial enterprise.--- The licensee has to rehabilitate and resettle the families to be displaced while generating, transmitting and distributing electricity in accordance with the standards specified by His Majesty's Government. The private sector shall be provided necessary assistance by the governmental level in this respect.

Energy institutional structures:

The existing institutions in the public sector shall be re-structured to create competitive environment by encouraging the involvement of community/cooperative institutions, local bodies and private sector in generation, transmission and distribution of hydropower in order to extend reliable and qualitative electricity service throughout the Kingdom at a reasonable price. --- An institution shall be developed to impart training within the country to produce skilled manpower for the development of hydropower and to enhance the capability of the persons involved in this sector. The institution may also carry out studies and research works related to hydropower development. --- His Majesty's Government shall gradually extend rural electrification. Appropriate institutional arrangement shall be made for this.

M&E of policy implementation:

Provisions to implement the programs identified under the environmental impacts assessment study report shall be made in the project sites where implementation of infrastructures such as power-houses, embankment sites, tunnels or canals and reservoirs, transmission lines, distribution lines of the hydropower generation project have direct adverse impact.

Technology

Industrialization support:

Development of industries producing construction materials and equipment to be used in the power sector shall be encouraged.

Full Document Text

His Majesty's Government Ministry of Water Resources

The Hydropower Development Policy, 2001

(Approved by His Majesty's Government on 15 October 2001 (2058.6.29)

Singhadurbar October, 2001

The Hydropower Development Policy, 2001

1. Background:

Water resources are important natural resources for the economic development of Nepal. Availability of abundant water resources and geo-physical features provide ample opportunities for hydropower production in Nepal. Out of the total hydropower generation capacity of about 83,000 megawatt (MW) in the country, about 42,000 MW of power generation appears feasible to date from financial–technical perspective. In view of the internal consumption and export possibility of hydropower in the context of the overall development of the country, an investment friendly, clear, simple and transparent policy is necessary to enhance the development process of hydropower. An open and liberal policy pursued in the hydropower sector after restoration of democracy has started yielding positive indications in the field of hydropower development. Our past experiences as well as working in close association with the private sector, even though for a short period, have guided our path in this regard. It is also observed that the need to overcome the shortcomings and weaknesses that have emerged in the course of involvement and participation of the private sector in the water resource sector. In view of the contribution that hydropower development in Nepal could make in the speedy development of not only the national economy but also the regional economy; it is expedient to put forward efforts on integrated water resources development based on bilateral and regional cooperation with prime considerations to the national interests of Nepal. Such efforts shall result in the economic development, industrialization, flood control, environment protection, creation of employment opportunities in the country in addition to benefits from allocation of benefits substantially resulting to the lower riparian country from large storage projects built in Nepal.

2. Rationale:

Generation and consumption of electric energy in Nepal is minimal. The major sources of energy are still the agriculture and the forest-based resources. Despite the abundant possibility of hydropower generation as a renewable energy source, this source has not been harnessed to the desired extent. Majority of the people is still deprived of electrical energy. The industrial enterprises have not developed at the desired pace due to the lack of electrical energy. In this context, development of hydropower energy that can be generated from our own available resources in Nepal has become imperative. An opportune hydropower policy is foreseen as prerequisite for supply of hydropower energy at a reasonable price by developing hydropower, which has the pivotal role in the development of rural electrification, supply of domestic energy, creation of employment and in the development of industrial enterprise. It has become important in this context that the hydropower policy should clearly reflect the direction on vital issues such as development of multipurpose plans for maximum utilization of the available water resources, appropriate sharing of benefits, role of public and private sector, utilization of internal as well as external market, and clarity and transparency in activities of His Majesty's Government with the private sector, etc. Based on the experiences gained in the course of implementing the principles followed by the Hydropower Development Policy, 1992, emerging new concepts in the international market and their impacts, technological development, possibility of export of hydropower energy, possibility of foreign investment and commitment in environmental protection with a view to make it clear, transparent, practical and investment friendly; revision and improvement of the hydropower policy has become imperative.

3. Objectives:

Hydropower shall be developed to achieve the following objectives: 3.1 To generate electricity at low cost by utilizing the water resources available in the country. 3.2 To extend reliable and qualitative electric service throughout the Kingdom of Nepal at a reasonable price. 3.3 To tie-up electrification with the economic activities. 3.4 To render support to the development of rural economy by extending the rural electrification. 3.5 To develop hydropower as an exportable commodity.

4. Strategies:

The following strategies shall be pursued to accomplish the aforementioned objectives of hydropower development. 4.1 To extend hydropower services to the rural economy from the perspective of socio-equity with the realization of the fact that development of power sector, having a direct concern with agricultural and industrial development, is a pre-requisite. 4.2 To pursue investment friendly, clear, simple and transparent procedures so as to promote private sector participation in the development of hydropower, also taking into account internal consumption and export possibility of hydropower. 4.3 To implement small, medium, large and storage projects for hydropower development focussing on national interest, environment protection and maximizing benefits in the development of water resources of Nepal. 4.4 To develop hydropower projects by attracting investment from private sector as well as from governmental sector, as necessary, and through joint ventures of government and private sector for the promotion of hydropower development. 4.5 To make the river basins of specific rivers as the basis of development and management of water resources in order to achieve maximum benefits from the utilization of water resources of Nepal. 4.6 To pursue a strategy of bilateral or regional cooperation in the hydropower development sector taking into consideration the feasibility of hydropower in Nepal and the demands of electric energy in neighboring countries in view of the fact that development of hydropower in Nepal supports not only the domestic but also the regional economy. 4.7 To adopt a broader perspective on national development in the context of macro-economy in developing and managing hydropower in line with the concept of developing water resources in an integrated manner. 4.8 To minimize the potential risks in hydropower projects with a joint effort of government and private sector, and to make provisions for allocating the non-mitigable risks to either the government or private sector based on their capability to bear the risk at the lowest cost.

5. Policies:

The following policies shall be pursued for the implementation of the above-mentioned matters: 5.1 Hydropower potential of the country shall be utilized to the maximum extent in order to meet the domestic demand of electricity. 5.2 Hydropower projects suitable to the electric system for domestic use as well as the storage projects shall be developed as per requirement on competitive basis. 5.3 Implementation of hydropower projects based on the concept of Build, Operate, Own and Transfer shall be encouraged. 5.4 Appropriate incentive provisions shall be provided and transparent process shall be pursued to attract national and foreign investment in hydropower development. 5.5 Efforts shall be continued for implementation of large storage type hydropower projects and multi-purpose projects. Large storage type multi-purpose projects shall be developed in such a way that downstream benefits resulting from the projects would yield maximum benefits to the nation. 5.6 In the case of multi-purpose projects, His Majesty's Government may participate with the private sector in view of possibility of irrigation development. 5.7 Contribution shall be made to environment protection by developing hydropower as an alternative to biomass and thermal energy. 5.8 In addition to mitigation of adverse environmental impacts likely to result from the operation of hydropower projects, appropriate provision shall be made to resettle the displaced families. 5.9 Emphasis shall be given on mobilization of internal capital market for investment in power sector. 5.10 Electrification of remote rural areas shall be encouraged by operating small and mini hydropower projects at the local level. 5.11 Rural electrification shall be extended in order to make electric service available to as many people as possible. In addition to mobilization of public participation, a Rural Electrification Fund shall also be established for the purpose. 5.12 Unauthorized leakage of electricity shall be controlled. For this purpose, necessary technical measures and appropriate legal provisions shall be adopted and, mobilization of public support shall also be emphasized. 5.13 It shall be encouraged to utilize the electric power available during low demand in the sectors such as rural water supply, irrigation, industry, tourism, etc. 5.14 Provision shall be made to provide appropriate benefits at the local level while operating hydropower projects. 5.15 Proper provision shall be made to cover risks likely to occur in hydropower projects. 5.16 In view of the concept of bilateral and regional cooperation and taking into consideration the abundant hydropower generation capacity in the country, export of electricity shall be encouraged. 5.17 The existing institutions in the public sector shall be re-structured to create competitive environment by encouraging the involvement of community/cooperative institutions, local bodies and private sector in generation, transmission and distribution of hydropower in order to extend reliable and qualitative electricity service throughout the Kingdom at a reasonable price. 5.18 Attention shall be paid to safeguard the consumers' interests by providing reliable and qualitative electricity service to the consumers at a reasonable price. 5.19 Process for electricity tariff fixation shall be made rational and transparent so that electric energy shall be supplied at a reasonable price. 5.20 Priority shall be given to utilize labor and skills of Nepal in the implementation of hydropower projects. 5.21 An institution shall be developed to impart training within the country to produce skilled manpower for the development of hydropower and to enhance the capability of the persons involved in this sector. The institution may also carry out studies and research works related to hydropower development. 5.22 Consumers shall be encouraged for demand side management to enhance energy conservation.

6. Provisions vis-à-vis Working Policy/hydropower development:

The following working-policy shall be followed in order to enforce the hydropower development policy and fulfill the underlying objectives therein. 6.1 Environmental Provision: 6.1.1 Provisions to implement the programs identified under the environmental impacts assessment study report shall be made in the project sites where implementation of infrastructures such as power-houses, embankment sites, tunnels or canals and reservoirs, transmission lines, distribution lines of the hydropower generation project have direct adverse impact. The prevailing laws shall govern the environment-related matters during the construction of hydropower projects. Provision shall be made to release such quantum of water which is higher of either at least ten per cent of the minimum monthly average discharge of the river/stream or the minimum required quantum as identified in the environmental impact assessment study report. 6.1.2 The private sector obtaining the license shall be encouraged to acquire the houses and land required to construct a hydropower project on its own. Provided, however, that if the necessary houses and land could not be obtained, His Majesty's Government may make available such houses and land to the private sector, in the same manner as it acquires the land to any institution under the prevailing laws. The licensee has to bear all the expenditures incurred in obtaining such houses and land. If the land is government owned, His Majesty's Government shall make it available on lease for a period up to the term of license in accordance with the prevailing laws. 6.1.3 The licensee has to rehabilitate and resettle the families to be displaced while generating, transmitting and distributing electricity in accordance with the standards specified by His Majesty's Government. The private sector shall be provided necessary assistance by the governmental level in this respect. Provided, however, that the investors themselves have to bear the necessary resources required therein by including it in the project cost of the project in operation. 6.2 Provision concerning Water Rights: Legal provisions shall be made to prevent adverse effects on the availability of water or water right of the projects for which license is not required or being operated after obtaining the license. 6.3 Provision for Investment in Generation, Transmission and Distribution: 6.3.1 Hydropower shall be developed attracting the investment of domestic and foreign investors in the hydropower generation, transmission and distribution projects through sole or Joint Venture Company and shall also be developed through Joint Venture Company of the private sector and the public sector. In general, foreign investors shall be encouraged, with priority, to make joint investment with Nepalese investors. 6.3.2 Capital market shall be mobilized to encourage domestic investment in hydropower generation. Financial institutions, bonds as well as other financial instruments as required for such purpose shall be developed. 6.3.3 The Infrastructure Financial Institution to be established under the Build, Operate and Transfer of Public Infrastructure Policy, 2000 shall also be utilized for the hydropower generation and distribution projects. 6.3.4 The agreement made to receive loan from foreign institutions for the investment in the projects related to generation, transmission and distribution of hydroelectricity shall require approval of His Majesty's Government in accordance with prevailing laws. Approval required to be obtained in borrowing loans by a licensee of the project related to generation, transmission and distribution of hydroelectricity from such foreign lender against security of the shares and immovable assets and other matters pertaining thereto shall be as determined by law. 6.3.5 In cases where irrigation benefits may also be availed from any storage project, His Majesty's Government may be a joint venture partner with the private sector in such a project. 6.4 Provision of Special Investment for Infrastructure Development of Rural Electrification: 6.4.1 His Majesty's Government shall gradually extend rural electrification. Appropriate institutional arrangement shall be made for this. 6.4.2 Appropriate arrangement to undertake rural electrification shall be made while awarding the distribution license. 6.4.3 Rural electrification shall be encouraged in the rural areas affected directly from the electricity generation project. Energy royalty on the electric energy consumed in such an area shall be exempted. Such exemption shall be given until the first fifteen years of the commencement of commercial production. 6.4.4 One per cent of the royalty obtained by His Majesty's Government from a hydropower project shall be provided to the Village Development Committees that are directly affected by the hydropower infrastructure with the sole purpose of expanding electrification of these Village Development Committees. 6.4.5 A Rural Electrification Fund shall be established for the development of micro hydropower and rural electrification by pooling in a certain percentage of the amount received as royalty. 6.4.6 His Majesty's Government shall provide grant through the Alternative Energy Promotion Center to the domestic private sector to generate and distribute electricity by building hydropower center of up to 100 kW capacity at the rural level. Moreover, such projects shall be included in the prioritized loan sector, and facilities shall be provided to such projects accordingly. 6.4.7 Electricity shall be supplied from small hydropower projects in the mountainous rural area falling outside the access of the national power system. Provision shall be made to hand over the responsibility of operation and maintenance of such small hydropower projects to the local cooperative groups and these groups shall also be involved in the course of formulation and implementation of plans. 6.5 Provision relating to Transfer of Project: 6.5.1 Any hydropower generation project has to be transferred, ipso facto, to His Majesty's Government in a good running condition, after expiration of the period of time as specified in the license. His Majesty's Government shall not provide any compensation therefor. His Majesty's Government may cause to operate the project so transferred by an agreement. In such operation of the project, first priority shall be given to the previous operator company. 6.5.2 The regulatory body shall prescribe the guidelines for repair and maintenance of main electric equipment and structures of the hydropower project in good running condition and the Department of Electricity Development shall make appropriate arrangements for monitoring and inspection. 6.5.3 Provision shall be made for involvement of His Majesty's Government as well in the operation of the hydropower project two years prior to the expiration of the period for transferal. 6.6 Provision relating to Power Purchase: 6.6.1 Except in cases where a private party itself also distributes the hydropower generated by it in the Kingdom of Nepal, a power purchase agreement has to be made to sell and purchase the hydropower generated. Provided, however, that it shall not be required to conclude a power purchase agreement for the electricity generated from the captive plant to be consumed in any specific industrial enterprise in Nepal. 6.6.2 Power purchase agreement should be transparent. 6.7 Provision relating to Visa: Non-tourist visa and work permit shall be provided to the investor of a hydropower project, his/her authorized representative and necessary foreign experts, skilled manpower and their families, as provided for in the agreement until the construction and operation of the project. 6.8 Maximum Utilization of Local Resources and Means: 6.8.1 Foreign entrepreneurs shall be encouraged to be affiliated with local organizations as the cost of hydropower decreases if the project is developed through the domestic construction entrepreneurs and consultants. 6.8.2 The person licensed to build or operate a hydropower project shall carry out or cause to be carried out works such that technology is transferred to the Nepalese citizens in the course of performing the works in accordance with the license. 6.8.3 The person licensed to build or operate a hydropower project shall utilize Nepalese labor, skills, means and resources to the maximum extent possible and, shall also give priority to utilize local labor. 6.8.4 Development of industries producing construction materials and equipment to be used in the power sector shall be encouraged. 6.9 Management of Investment Risks: 6.9.1 Hydropower project, transmission system and distribution system established by the private sector shall not be nationalized during the term of the license. 6.9.2 Exchange facilities shall be provided to the foreign person, firm or company making investment for the power generation, transmission or distribution project to be constructed by the private sector to repatriate the following amount from the Kingdom of Nepal in foreign currency at the prevailing exchange rate. (a) Amount necessary for repayment of the principal and interest of the approved loan borrowed in foreign currency for the hydropower project. (b) If the electricity has been sold within the Kingdom of Nepal, the amount earned as profit or dividend in lieu of the foreign investment. (c) In the case of an export-oriented power project, cent per cent of the payment of principal and the interest on the loan, profit and dividend may be repatriated in the currency in which the income has been received in the Kingdom of Nepal by selling the electricity. (d) The amount received from the sale of the share of foreign investment as a whole or part thereof may be repatriated in the same currency in which the share has been sold. Provided, however, that if the share has been sold in Nepalese currency, foreign currency exchange facility shall be available only for seventy¬five per cent thereof. (e) Other facilities to the foreign investor in relation to the foreign currency shall be as provided for in the prevailing Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act. 6.9.3 If there occurs a geological and hydrological condition that is adverse than was anticipated at the time of granting the hydropower generation license or a force majeure event occurs, provisions shall be made to extend the term of the generation license up to a period not exceeding five years as compensation, by evaluating the nature of risk and its impacts in order to mitigate the impacts resulting from such risk. 6.9.4 The customs and value-added tax facilities equivalent to which a new project may be entitled under this Policy shall also be provided for upgrading the capacity of the electricity generation center or for carrying out the repair and maintenance required because of exigency or natural calamity. 6.9.5 A licensed company, corporate body or a person may arrange for the security of the project on its own or may request His Majesty's Government for the same. His Majesty's Government may, if it thinks necessary, arrange for security of such a project. In case where His Majesty's Government has made such security arrangement, the licensed company, corporate body or person has to bear the actual cost of such security arrangement. 6.9.6 If, after the project license has been granted, the licensed company, corporate body or person suffers from any loss or damage because of the failure of His Majesty's Government to carry out the duties required to be carried out by it, as stipulated in the license and in accordance with this Policy, issues related to such loss or damage shall be as set out in the agreement. 6.9.7 In cases where His Majesty's Government is required to bear the compensation pursuant to paragraph 6.9.6 above, His Majesty's Government may extend the license period in lieu of such compensation amount by evaluating the license period in terms of money. 6.9.8 His Majesty's Government shall not revoke the license in contravention of the terms stipulated in the license after the license has been granted. If the license is revoked contrary to paragraph 6.9.8, His Majesty's Government shall bear compensation for the actual loss resulted therefrom. Provided, however, that in cases where the licensed company, corporate body or individual fails to carry out the deeds in consonance with the progress, goal, quality standard as well as other terms set forth in the license, His Majesty's Government may revoke the license; and in such cases, His Majesty's Government shall not bear any kind of compensation. 6.9.9 His Majesty's Government shall, prior to revocation of the license on the basis of the terms as referred to in the license, provide an opportunity to the licensed company, corporate body or person to defend, by providing prior information in writing. 6.9.10 Clear provisions shall be made in respect of the procedures on providing opportunity for defense pursuant to paragraph 6.9.9 above, the warning or direction to be issued after defense and the action to be taken in the event of subsequent violation of the terms of the license. 6.9.11 Settlement of disputes shall be governed by the agreement or by the prevailing law on foreign investment and technology transfer. 6.9.12 No additional or new tax, charge, tariff or governmental revenue under whatever title shall be levied on the existing hydropower project except those levied in accordance with the agreement entered at the time of issuance of the project license. In respect of the license issued or agreement entered into prior to the commencement of this Policy, it shall be as stipulated in the license or the agreement. 6.10 Provision on Internal Electricity Market: 6.10.1 Establishment of power-based industries shall be encouraged. 6.10.2 For the private sector operated hydropower projects with capacities up to one MW and not linked to the National Grid System, the private producer may sell and distribute the electricity by determining the tariff rate of the electricity on its own. 6.10.3 Provision shall be made so that the person or body licensed to distribute electricity fixes different rates of electricity tariff for peak, off-peak, seasonal and bulk, to be sold to its various consumers. 6.10.4 Necessary provision shall be made in the electricity tariff structure to allow consumption of additional energy within the country. For demand side management, provision for time-of-day and seasonal tariff shall be made to harmonize with the supply of the electricity. 6.10.5 Provisions shall be made to create awareness among consumers on increased use of energy conserving electric equipment and to grant special exemption on customs duties to such equipment. 6.11 Provision on Export of Electricity: 6.11.1 If the electric energy generated in the country is to be exported abroad, it shall be done as per the agreement entered into between the exporter and His Majesty's Government. 6.11.2 If His Majesty's Government thinks necessary, it may, on mutual understanding, purchase the power up to 10 per cent of the electricity generated from the export-oriented projects for domestic consumption. 6.11.3 Electricity shall be exported by identifying the export¬oriented projects and developing such projects through the private sector. For this purpose, necessary study shall be conducted towards extending power system at the bilateral and regional level. 6.11.4 Non-power benefits such as irrigation, flood control shall be evaluated in such a manner as to acquire maximum benefits from large multipurpose storage projects, taking into consideration the national interest. Such benefits shall be utilized within the Kingdom of Nepal to the maximum extent. If the benefits are in excess of those accruing to Nepal and the lower riparian states are benefited substantially, the benefits obtainable thereof shall be determined through negotiations with the lower riparian states. A permit for implementation of such projects shall be provided with the approval of His Majesty's Government under this Policy. Provided, however, that the issue of sharing of the natural resources shall be outside the domain of this Policy. 6.11.5 The body licensed to generate power shall render necessary assistance to His Majesty's Government in acquiring non¬power benefits to be obtained from the project. 6.11.6 His Majesty's Government may, if necessary, render appropriate assistance to conclude a power purchase agreement for the power to be exported abroad. 6.12 Provision on License: 6.12.1 Provision shall be made such that the local people can also be directly benefited from the operation of the hydropower generation project. Such provision shall be included in the agreement to be made with the licensee. In addition, ten per cent of the amount obtained for royalty shall be provided to the District Development Committees of those Districts affected from the dam, reservoir and powerhouse constructed for the generation of hydropower, to be spent in development and construction work of those Districts, pursuant to the Local Self-governance Rules. 6.12.2 In addition to the capacity of the project, the following subject matters, shall also be taken into account in categorization of the hydropower generation center: 1 The center supplying the internal demand, 2 The center exporting electricity, 3 The captive plant built by any specific industry, which will consume at least 60 per cent of the energy generated. 6.12.3 (a) The provision of license shall be as follows: 1 Study/ survey License 2 Generation License 3 Transmission License 4 Distribution License (b) No license shall be required for hydropower project up to a capacity of one MW. Such hydropower project shall be registered with the District Water Resources Committee prior to commencement of the works of such project. Information of such registration shall be given to the Department of Electricity Development. The basis for registration of such projects shall be as determined by His Majesty's Government. Such projects shall be entitled to the facilities in accordance with this Policy. (c) An application has to be duly submitted to the Department of Electricity Development to obtain the license. The study/survey license of a hydropower project up to a maximum capacity of 10 MW shall be issued normally within 60 days of the submission of all the details. The licenses of all other types shall normally be issued within 120 days of the submission of all the details. 6.12.4 The license to carry out detail survey of, and generate electricity from, a hydropower project with capacity of more than ten MW, of which feasibility study has already been done by the governmental level and electricity from which is expected to be consumed in the Kingdom of Nepal, shall be issued on competitive basis through invitation of proposals. 6.12.5 The survey and generation license has to be obtained for the captive plant. The license shall normally be issued within 120 days of the submission of all the details. 6.12.6 A licensee who holds the study/survey license has to make submit an application for the generation license within the validity of the license. If the application for generation license is not made, the ownership of the study/survey report shall devolve on His Majesty's Government. His Majesty's Government may, on the basis of such study report, generate electricity from that project on its own or let any other company, selected on competitive basis, generate electricity from that project. If the generation license of such project is issued to the private sector in a manner to use that study report, refund of justifiable expenditure incurred in the study/survey of that project may be arranged from the person who has obtained the generation license. 6.12.7 License may be granted to export electricity from projects with installed capacity of more than 100 MW and deemed appropriate by His Majesty's Government. The license for such a project shall be issued by His Majesty's Government through invitation of proposals or through negotiation with the applicant, who has submitted application for the license. 6.12.8 The license shall be issued by the Ministry of Water Resources. 6.12.9 The grounds for granting the license shall be made transparent. 6.12.10 His Majesty's Government may, as per necessity, conclude a project agreement with the applicant to attract private, national or foreign investment. 6.12.11 Term of the License: (1) The study/survey license: The term of the study/survey license shall be for a maximum period of five years. (2) The hydropower generation license: The term of the generation license, depending upon the nature of the project, shall be as follows: (a) The project supplying the internal demand: Thirty-five years from the date of issuance of the generation license (b) The export-oriented hydropower project: Thirty years from the date of issuance of the generation license (c) In the case of the captive plant producing energy of which at least 60% is utilized by any national industrial enterprise on its own: Up to the period the concerned industry remains in operation. If the industry does not remain in operation, up to 30 years from the date of issuance of the generation license. (d) For storage project, the term of the generation license may be extended for a maximum period of five years on the basis of the construction period. (3) The Electricity Transmission and Distribution License: The license has to be obtained for the transmission and distribution of electricity. (a) His Majesty's Government may specify any transmission line or grid as the national transmission line or grid. (b) The term of the electricity transmission license shall be twenty five years from the date of issuance of the license. (c) The term of the electricity distribution license shall be twenty-five years from the date of issuance of the license. (d) In respect of the term of the license for generation, transmission and distribution of electricity and generation and transmission or distribution only of electricity, the term of electricity transmission and distribution shall be the term of license for generation. (e) The term of the license for electricity transmission and distribution may be renewed for ten years at a time in accordance with the prevailing law. (f) The term of transmission and distribution of electricity generated from the electricity generation center with a capacity of up to one MW shall remain valid so long as the center remains in operation. (4) In cases where any person is generating and distributing electricity in any specific area independently with or without obtaining a license, any other person may request for license for generation and expansion of electricity with higher capacity in the same area, adversely affecting that project. Provided, however, that such a person shall purchase, on mutual understanding, the hydropower center, transmission and distribution lines in operation therein. If a mutual understanding could not be reached as referred to in above, His Majesty's Government shall, based on the national interest, make arrangements to reach an understanding with reasonable compensation for the structures. (5) A body that obtains the generation, transmission and distribution license should be registered in Nepal. Prior to obtaining the generation, transmission and distribution license, the license holder shall furnish the guarantee as prescribed, to His Majesty's Government. 6.12.12 Any licensee shall be entitled to use the national grid system by paying the specified fee for the transmission of the electricity generated by such a licensee. For this purpose, necessary grid-codes and basis for load dispatch on the use of the national grid system shall be prepared. 6.12.13 Electricity may be supplied independently in any area under the local system without being connected to the national grid system after obtaining the license. 6.13 Provisions relating to Fees: 6.13.1 Royalty: A hydropower generator shall pay the royalty as follows to His Majesty's Government after the commencement of electricity generation. (a) Internal consumption project: Provided, however, that if the excess electricity is sold to the electricity distribution system from the electricity center established for captive use, the energy royalty shall be charged on such electric power similar to a hydropower project with a capacity of more than 100 MW. (b) Export-oriented hydropower project: * After 15 years from the date of commercial operation. (c) The royalty rates referred to in clause (b) above shall be applied on the projects built on commercial basis with 26 installed capacity up to 1000 MW. In the case of the projects with capacities up to 1000 MW and built on noncommercial basis, 15% (fifteen per cent) of electricity and energy shall be charged as royalty per annum on the basis of monthly power and energy generation capacity from the date of commencement of production. (d) In the case of the export-oriented project with an installed capacity of more than 1,000 MW, the rate of royalty shall be settled by negotiations, also taking into account the grounds referred to in clauses (b) and (c). (e) In the case of the hydropower projects which sell energy for internal consumption and exports the remaining energy, the energy fee equivalent to that chargeable for the export¬oriented project shall be charged on the quantum of energy exported abroad. (f) The royalty shall have to be paid in the same currency in which the exported electricity is sold. Note: The following formula has been used herein to work out the energy royalty and the capacity royalty. Energy royalty = (Generated energy-Self consumption) X Average Selling Price X Energy Royalty Rate. Capacity royalty = Capacity Royalty Rate X ( 1+5/100) year¬2058 X Installed capacity (kW) 6.13.2 Registration Fee: A Registration fee of 0.0001 percent shall be charged for the registration of deeds related to a foreign loan for investment on projects concerning hydropower generation, transmission and distribution and on the registration of deeds conveyed to pledge the movable and immovable assets (such as shares of a project company) in the name of the foreign lender for such loan. 6.14 Facilities relating to Tax and Customs: 6.14.1 The income-tax payable in operating the hydropower generation project, transmission system and distribution system shall be as provided for in the prevailing Income Tax Act. 6.14.2 In the present situation where value added tax is not levied on the electricity tariff, value added tax shall not be imposed on the industrial machineries, equipment and spare parts imported, after obtaining permission, by a project so as to use them in the construction of hydropower project. If value added tax is levied on the electricity tariff, value added tax shall also be accordingly imposed on the above¬mentioned materials and machineries, as well. 6.14.3 Only one per cent customs duty shall be imposed on the devices, equipment, machineries and spare parts related therewith to be imported with permission by the project during the construction phase. Provided, however, that the value of such spare parts shall not exceed twenty per cent of the total value of the devices, equipment and other machineries to be imported. 6.14.4 In cases where the machines required for such project during the construction period have been imported on the condition of taking them back, such machineries have to be taken back after completion of the project. In the event of failure or inability to take them back, custom duty shall have to be paid, at the prevailing rate, after completion of the project, as per the rules, on the remaining value after deducting depreciation. 6.15 Institutional Provision: 6.15.1 The following institutional arrangements shall be made for the development of hydropower. (1) Regulatory body: The existing Electricity Tariff Fixation Commission shall be developed as a regulatory body. In the course of monitoring and supervising the quality standards of electricity, this regulatory body may give direction and make supervision as per necessity, also taking into account of the power purchase agreements of the public and the private sector producers. (a) The functions of the regulatory body shall be as follows: • To fix electricity tariff and wheeling tariff, • To monitor and supervise the safety of the electric system, and the reliability of supply and quality standards of electricity, • To protect the interests of the consumers, • To prepare Grid Codes, • To approve the criteria for load dispatch, • To prepare criteria for safety and quality standards of electricity, etc. • (b) The electric energy generated from the hydropower center may be purchased and sold with the mutual understanding between the generator and the purchaser. Prior to concluding the power purchase agreement, the basis for fixation of the rate of sale and purchase of electricity shall require a review from the regulatory body. The regulatory body shall review and render opinion no later than 45 days of the receipt of request for review. The review of the power purchase agreement made by the regulatory body shall be taken as the basis for purposes of fixation of electricity tariff. (c) The regulatory body shall fix the rate of electricity tariff to be sold and distributed to the consumers. In fixing the electricity tariff, the interest of the consumer shall also be taken into account. (2) Study and Promotional Body: (a) The Department of Electricity Development shall carry out the following functions: • To conduct competition in the course of issuing the license, • To provide facilities available under the one window policy and to attract the private sector in the development of hydropower, • To encourage private participation in the hydropower projects, • To carry out acts related to the approval of the hydropower projects with a capacity of more than one MW to utilize and cause to utilize the water resources optimally. • To carry out feasibility studies of the hydropower projects and study works of multi-purpose projects. • To render necessary assistance to the private sector in the operation of the projects and carry out monitoring and promotional works. (b) The Water and Energy Commission shall carry out the following functions: • To carry out acts related to national load forecast for electricity and system planning study. • To carry out acts related to preliminary identification of hydropower projects. • To conduct various policy research works for electricity development • (3) Electric Energy Management Research Institute: An electric energy management research institute shall be developed in order to carry out study and research on financial, legal, environmental and technical aspects of electricity and to provide training thereon. 6.15.2 The functions pertaining to the operation of the power centers, operation of electricity transmission and national grid, and electricity distribution owned by the Nepal Electricity Authority shall be gradually unbundled, and appropriate institutional arrangement shall be made therefor. An autonomous public body shall be entrusted the responsibility for operation of the national grid. The local body, community/cooperative body and private sector shall be encouraged in the operation of electricity distribution system. 6.16 Construction and Operation of Hydropower Projects by His Majesty's Government: His Majesty's Government may, as per necessity, build and operate hydropower projects on its own, by concluding, and in accordance with, a treaty or agreement with any friendly country or international organization.