RESIDENTS of Yangon Region report that starting 19 March, electricity is being distributed on a rotational basis, divided into two groups between 9 am and 9 pm.
“It’s true, the power cuts started today, on 19 March. Partly because the matriculation exams are over. We heard there will be two shifts. Power outages are normal during the summer, but in this heat, it’s not good for the elderly, children, and patients. With a new government coming in, we are just hoping they can find a better way,” said U Tin Htut, a resident of Sangyoung Township.
The Ministry of Electric Power has informed the public that planned load shedding schedules must be implemented starting 18 March to maintain water levels at the reservoirs until June.
Townships in Yangon’s four districts are divided into Groups A and Group B for a four-hour rotational supply, but areas supplied via the LNG system will not experience power interruptions.
Due to lower river levels, dam operations must be adjusted to balance power generation with agricultural needs. High temperatures lead to a surge in electricity consumption due to the increased use of air-conditioners, fans, and water pumps. The average daily power demand is 4,664 megawatts, and the ministry is working to meet this requirement in full.
The ministry’s total installed capacity of 6,725 megawatts includes 32 hydropower plants, 24 natural gas plants, two coal fired power plants, and 12 solar power plants. It can produce up to 4,000 megawatts when running fully. Currently, power accessibility stands at 70.43 per cent, serving approximately 6.9 million consumers. — Htun Htun/ZN
