[ 2009-03-04 ]
This is to bring to the attention of all concerned that both the power generating units of the Bhote Koshi Power Company (P) Ltd (BKPC) Plant in Sindhupalchowk District had to be put to emergency shut down and maintenance since the evening of 4th February 2009 due to major Electromechanical problems that have suddenly arisen in its Generators. As a result, BKPC Plant has not been able to generate and supply any electricity to Nepal Electricity Authority since then.

Normally, during the dry season, there is sufficient water in the river to run only one turbine. Therefore during this season, one turbine produces electricity while the other one is shut down for the annual maintenance work. During normal operation, the BKPC Plant generates an average of 15 MW of power during the dry months of Magh and Falgun.

Abnormal noise and vibration had earlier been noticed in the Generator of Plant Unit #1 in the first week of November 2008 and was investigated. The unit was being attended during Annual Maintenance that started from 30th December 2008. During investigations, in coordination with the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in China and Operation and Maintenance Consultants in USA, major electromechanical problems were identified in it. While the underlying causes were being analyzed and corrective action was in process, Unit #2 that was running, also experienced similar problems. Therefore from the evening of 4th February 2009, BKPC was compelled to shut down Unit #2 also that was operating.

At present both generator units of BKPC are under Forced Maintenance and are being attended to by the Chinese OEM technicians. The OEM technicians have arrived and commenced the work. An additional team is expected to reach the Plant within a week to attend the repair and maintenance full fledgedly. BKPC has initiated necessary steps to expedite the repair works and expect the same to take approximately 3 more months. We request all concerned to bear with us during this unfortunate interruption of power supply, which was beyond the control of BKPC.