The decision clearly states the reasons for temporary suspension of the competitive generation market as stipulated in Circular 30/2014/TT-BCT dated October 2, 2014 by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, which aims to maximize the mobilization of gas – fired thermal power plants in the last months of 2017.
Previously, a report of the Electricity Regulatory Authority of Vietnam under the Ministry of Industry and Trade at the six - year summary conference on the operation of the competitive generation market in late July 2017 showed that since the competitive generation market was officially launched (from July 1, 2012 to June 2017), 76 power plants of 30 MW or more have entered the market, with a total installed capacity of 20,728 MW, an increase of 2.45 times compared to the launching time in 2012 (only 31 plants).
However, according to Mr. Dinh The Phuc, Deputy Director of the Electricity Regulatory Authority of Vietnam, after a long time of operating the competitive generation market, despite some successes, many power plants have faced difficulties, particularly those in payments, operation procedures, etc. when entering the market.
In particular, according to the Electricity Regulatory Authority of Vietnam, the shortening of payment time is one of the issues attracting attentions from businesses when participating in the competitive electricity market. Currently, the payment time has been specifically stipulated, however each power plant has their power purchase agreements which clearly specify the payment time.