Myanmar's power supply falls to half of demand amid civil conflict

A picture shows electricity transmission towers AFP-Yonhap — This picture shows electricity transmission towers. AFP-Yonhap

SEOUL, November 13 (AJP) - Myanmar's Ministry of Electric Power and Energy reported on Tuesday that the country's current electricity supply has dropped to about 50 percent of demand, with daily power generation at 2,800 MW against a required 5,500 MW, despite total facility capacity of 7,248 MW.

The sharp decline in power generation stems from widespread transmission line destruction due to fighting between military and resistance forces, reduced natural gas supplies under international sanctions, and damage to hydroelectric and coal power plants from Typhoon Yagi.

The military government tripled electricity rates in August as the crisis deepened, particularly affecting residential users who account for 68 percent of total power consumption. The deteriorating business environment, marked by frequent blackouts, has prompted numerous global companies to suspend operations or withdraw from Myanmar.

This represents a severe deterioration since the 2021 coup, with the junta's efforts to expand into solar and wind power generation hampered by intensifying civil conflict.

Park Sae-jin swatchsjp@ajunews.com