KPL
Nam Theun 2 Power Company has temporarily suspended electricity generation and water discharge from the Nam Theun 2 Hydropower Plant to prevent additional water from flowing into the Xe Bang Fai River, where water levels have risen following several consecutive days of heavy rainfall.
A meeting on the temporary suspension was held on August 9, 2026, at the Nam Theun 2 power plant in Sangkhaeo Village, Yommalath District, Khammouane Province. The meeting brought together provincial and district authorities from Yommalath and Mahaxay districts, village authorities, and technical representatives from the company.
Mr. Dusit Phommachan, Director of the Nam Theun 2 Hydropower Plant, informed the meeting that the company had suspended electricity generation and water discharge as a precautionary measure to prevent additional water from entering the Xe Bang Fai River.
The measure was taken to safeguard the public and minimise potential impacts on downstream communities following a significant rise in river levels caused by increased natural inflows after prolonged heavy rainfall.
According to the company, the water level of the Xe Bang Fai River has reached the warning level and is approaching the flood level, raising concerns about possible impacts on communities and areas downstream of the dam.
The temporary suspension of water discharge took effect at midnight on August 7 and will remain in place until water levels decline to a safe level that allows electricity generation to resume.
The company said the suspension is being implemented in accordance with the terms of its concession agreement, which requires power generation to be temporarily suspended when water levels reach specified thresholds or warning levels.
During the meeting, Mr. Dusit also provided information on the company's operations, the reservoir's water-storage capacity upstream of the dam, water-management measures, and applicable safety standards.
The temporary suspension is part of Nam Theun 2 Power Company's efforts to manage water levels safely, reduce additional inflows into the Xe Bang Fai River, and minimise potential risks to downstream communities during the current period of heavy rainfall.
Authorities and relevant agencies are continuing to monitor water levels and weather conditions closely and will coordinate further measures as necessary to ensure the safety of communities in affected areas.
KPL
