The Ministry of Industry and Trade has issued Decision No 281 which increases the prices for power generation in 2019.

These prices are used to negotiate power purchase agreements between the State-run Vietnam Electricity and power plants.

Accordingly, the prices for power generation in coal-fired power plants are set to range between VND1,677 and VND1,896 (US$0.07-0.08) per kWh during 2019, excluding some taxes, sea port fees and infrastructure. The prices are VNDD359 and VND76 per kWh higher than those of 2018.

The ceiling prices for power generation in hydropower plants this year would be increased by VND20 per kWh than last year to reach VND1,100 per kWh excluding taxes.

The ministry’s calculation showed that the price of imported coal this year is VND1.74 million per tonne excluding taxes and transport costs, increasing VND0.14 million from the previous year. The rise in the price scheme for power generation was partly due to the increase of imported coal prices.

The 2019 power generation prices have been calculated on the basis of net fuel consumption rates of 0.478 kilo per kWh applied to the net capacity of 1x600 MW and 0.474 kilo per kWh for the capacity of 2x600 MW.

Another indicator was the reference exchange rate of VND23,350 per US dollar.

Last year, the electricity generation prices fixed for coal-fueled power plants reportedly fell from VND1,597.22 to VND1,600.04 per kWh while the price for hydropower plants was VND1,090 per kWh.

The decision took effect on February 12, 2019. — VNS