At the beginning of its Expansion Project THPC reassessed and reorganised its approach to social programs based on the premise that people living around the plant should become project beneficiaries, with community facilities and access to livelihood options that allow them to improve their living conditions and standards.
The company conducted an extensive dialogue process with local people and prepared a comprehensive Resettlement Action Plan in line with Asian Development Bank safeguard policies, the Equator Principles for lending banks and the national laws of Laos. The newly formed SED Division was charged with realising the potential of the project to contribute to local development in the area (notably in four districts across Bolikhamxay and Khammouane provinces) through social programs that compensate people for the disturbance caused by the hydropower projects, while offering opportunities for development beyond their previous standards of living.
Most of the work involved in these programs was completed during the construction period and first five years of operation of the expansion project. SInce then, THPC has instituted a Sustainability Division to run continued social programs from 2018 to 2027, during which time the company will continue to fund activities that benefit people in the area. In addition to these programs, and to the employment opportunities, royalties and taxes contributed by THPC, the company also contributes to national development through contributions and donations which are for collective benefit of groups or institutions. These may take the form of donation of services, cash, equipment or materials.