Electricity Supply: Electricity shortage during summer

Since hydropower plants can generate only 30 percent of the usual power generation during summer, electricity distribution has to make with a rotational system. 

Although there are over 6,000 megawatts installed power of electricity in the whole country, the maximum availability of power generation is only 3,800 megawatts.

The Ministry of Electricity and Energy is making efforts to generate more power through implementation of solar power plants.

General Manager, Yangon Electricity Supply Corporation (YESC), Aung Kyaw Hein said "According to current situations, we have reduced the amount of power generated and we have reasons for it too. Since we are in the middle of summer, the amount of energy generated is decreasing, and the hydropower can only generate 30 percent of the usual power generation. Nonetheless, we are still building more hydropower plants. Solar power plants should be able to generate about 1,000 megawatts since the previous year. There have been some delays, but we are pushing them now."

Meanwhile, the ministry requests the public for efficient use of electricity in order not to have wastages and to save the electricity bill.

Deputy Director, Directorate of Industrial Supervision and Inspection, Khaing Myint said "At home, it is most important to turn off the excessive lights. We should turn off the television, computer, or exhaust fan when we are not using them. We should also remove the broken light bulbs and switches at our home."

Nyein Shwe Sin said "Whenever I use cooking stove, I pull out the plugs of the refrigerator and television. In the past,I used to do ironing while watching television,. But now, I turn off the television if I have to use other plugs."

San Htay said "Previously, I used to pay about 50,000 kyats when I paid the electricity bill. Later, I gradually know how to save the electricity consumption. Now, I don’t cook 3 or 4 dishes a day, and cook only fast-cooked meals to save electricity consumption."

The Ministry is trying to provide sufficient power supply to the people post-summer. Currently, electricity is being generated from hydropower, coal-fired power, natural gas, and renewable energy in Myanmar.