BPC History

Butwal Power Company (BPC) was established in 1966 by a visionary Norwegian engineer Mr. Odd Hoftun.

Mr. Hoftun, who led the construction of Tinau Hydropower Plant, had a vision for educating young Nepal is in development of technical skills for harnessing the hydropower potential of Nepal's rivers to create opportunities for small businesses. He managed to raise support from his home country, and brought lots of equipment from Norway to Butwal in 1964.

BPC was established with an aim to enhance capacity development in the hydropower sector.

BPC pioneered various concepts for developing self competency in various facets of the hydropower industry like engineering, construction, operation, maintenance and manufacturing of hydroelectric equipment.

An agreement was reached between United Mission to Nepal (UMN) and Government of Nepal to set up an Institute of Technology and Industrial Development in Butwal – very commonly known as BTI. BPC provided opportunities for the skilled human resources from Butwal Technical Institute.

Similarly, it played an instrumental role in establishing civil contracting company named Himal Hydro and General Construction Company and metal fabrication shop named Nepal Hydro and Electric Ltd with a target to develop Nepal’s indigenous capacity in hydropower construction.

Hydro Lab Private Limited was established as BPC’s initiative for contract/research in the field of hydraulics and sedimentation. Hydro-consult Engineering (HCE) is engineering and consultancy subsidiary of BPC which is known as best in the country for its high quality and professional service in hydropower project consultancy and other engineering services. BPC Services Limited (BPCSL) was established in 2063/64 to provide operation and maintenance services to hydropower plants. Currently BPCSL provides Operation and Maintenance to Khudi Hydropower Project.

The following are the important milestones in BPC’s history:

• Commissioning of Tinau Hydro Power Project (1MW)
• Commissioning of Andhikhola Hydro Electric & Rural Electrification Project (5.1MW)
• Commissioning of Jhimruk Hydro Electric and Rural Electrification Project (12MW)
• Commissioning of Khimti Hydropower Project (60MW)
• Commissioning of Khudi Hydropower Project (4.2MW)
• Commissioning of Upgraded Andhikhola Hydropower Project (9.4 MW)
• Implementation of Kabeli – A Hydroelectric Project (37.6 MW)
• Implementation of Nyadi Hydropower Project (30 MW)
• Preparation of Lower Manang Marsyangdi Project (100 MW)
  
  

BPC Privatization

• October 2001: GoN invites offers for the purchase of its 75% shares in BPC.
• December 2001: Bid submitted by Interkraft Nepal of Norway in partnership with Shangrila Energy of Nepal.
• 3 January 2003: Sale and Purchase Agreement of 75% shares of GoN in BPC signed by MoF Secretary Mr. Bhanu P. Acharya and IKN Representative Mr. Balaram Pradhan.