NEA extends deadlines for 27 hydropower projects totaling 540 MW

The Nepal Electricity Authority has extended the construction timelines for twenty-seven hydropower projects with a combined capacity of 540.47 megawatts. This decision provides relief to developers whose ventures have demonstrated genuine progress but were unable to meet their original deadlines. A new classification system based on physical progress, deadline status, and power purchase agreement compliance was launched by the authority to oversee these extensions. The categorisation framework divides the initiatives into four distinct groups. Within this classification structure, certain tiers accommodate projects based on their specific physical advancement and fulfillment of regulatory duties. Meanwhile, group classifications apply stricter scrutiny to initiatives that missed major obligations such as licenses or financial closures on time, or those recording less than 25 percent physical progress by the conclusion of their deadline.