The Ministry of Electricity and Energy announced that rotational power outages are being implemented across the country, including in Yangon, Nay Pyi Taw, and Mandalay, due to reduced electricity generation.

Currently, Myanmar can only produce an average of 2,200 megawatts per day, resulting in a 50% shortfall in electricity supply. Consequently, the ministry has allocated power distribution as follows for January 2025: 48% for Yangon Region, 17% for Mandalay Region, and 35% for other regions and states.

In Yangon Region, power supply is divided into three groups, with each group receiving electricity for 4 hours followed by an 8-hour outage. 

In Mandalay Region, power distribution is also divided into four groups, with two schedules: 3 hours of electricity and 9 hours of outage, or 4 hours of electricity and 12 hours of outage.

In Nay Pyi Taw, the general public receives 16 hours of electricity and 8 hours of outage, while staff housing is provided with 18 hours of electricity and 4 hours of outage. In other regions and states, electricity is supplied in rotation, with each group receiving 6 hours of power, according to the Ministry of Electricity and Energy.

Myanmar’s power generation capacity includes 3,232 megawatts from 30 hydropower plants, 3,268 megawatts from 26 natural gas plants, 138 megawatts from two coal plants, and 240 megawatts from eight solar plants.

Various challenges have significantly reduced electricity production. Power line damage has resulted in a loss of 1,009 megawatts. Natural gas shortages have further reduced output by 291 megawatts. 

So also, the Upper Paunglaung hydropower plant remains shut down for repairs following damage caused by Typhoon Yagi, resulting in a 140-megawatt shortfall. In total, electricity production has decreased by 1,440 megawatts.

Additionally, 171 power line towers and 131 cable segments have been repeatedly sabotaged. Repair efforts have been hampered by bomb attacks, landmine incidents, and ongoing conflicts, resulting in 49 injuries and 30 fatalities among workers, and severe damage to 171 towers.

The ministry is expediting repairs to damaged plants and implementing LNG-based power plant projects to address short-term needs. Efforts are also underway to boost renewable energy production using water, solar, and wind resources. The ministry urged the public for understanding and patience during this challenging period.