Community micro-hydroelectricity ready to sell but stumped by legal hurdles
Chiang Mai -- Ban Mae Kampong Electricity Cooperative had successfully connected its micro-hydroelectricity to the grid of Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) in a trial run and was ready to sell its surplus energy to the utlity. But some existing laws prevent the coop from earning 10,000 Baht a month from the potential sale.The legal sticking point is that part of the micro-hydro generation asset is owned by the state and by law cannot be transferred to a private entity unless the relevant legislation is amended. Started in 1982, the Mae Kam Pong micro-hydropower project has three generation units with a combined capacity of 80 kilowatts. The project was a joint effort between Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency which provided the machinery and the villagers who provided labor and materials for construction.