Decree No. 56/2025/ND-CP: Electricity development planning and distribution network development plan

On March 3, 2025, the Government issued Decree No. 56/2025/ND-CP, which provides detailed provisions and implementation guidelines for certain articles of the Law on Electricity relating to electricity development planning, distribution network development schemes, investment in electricity projects, and the tendering process for selecting investors for electricity business projects.

Scope of application and target subjects

• Scope of application: This decree details and provides implementation guidelines for the provisions of the Law on Electricity national and local power development planning, distribution network development schemes, investment procedures for power projects, and the tendering process for selecting investors for power business projects.
• Target subjects: It applies to state agencies, organizations, and individuals involved in or related to electricity planning and investment development activities.

Key provisions of the Decree:

Electricity development planning:

• Sets out the content, procedures for drafting, evaluating, approving, and revising national and local electricity development plans.
• Identifies electricity generation projects and distribution networks that fall within the scope of the electricity development plan.

Distribution network development scheme:

Specifies the procedures for drafting, evaluating, and approving distribution network development schemes for areas that are either un-electrified or require network expansion and upgrade.

Investment in electricity projects:

• Provides the procedures and formalities for investing in the construction of electricity projects, including both generation and distribution network projects.
• Outlines the responsibilities of agencies, organizations, and individuals involved in the investment and construction of electricity projects.

Tendering process for selecting investors for electricity business projects:

• Details the principles, forms, and procedures for tendering and selecting investors for electricity business projects.
• Specifies the criteria for evaluating, assessing, and approving the results of the tender process.

For full text details, please access Decree No. 56/2025/ND-CP here.

This decree is expected to establish a clear and transparent legal framework for the planning and development of the electricity sector, thereby contributing to energy security and promoting the socio-economic development of the country.