Electricity has been restored to parts of northern Shan, Kayah and Chin states as the Ministry of Electricity and Energy continues rebuilding power infrastructure damaged by armed violence.
In northern Shan State, terrorist attacks in Lashio, Nawnghkio, Kyaukme and Hsipaw townships during 2024 damaged nine substations, 86 transformers and sections of the transmission and distribution network, causing widespread power outages.
Following the Tatmadaw's recapture of Lashio and Nawnghkio, the ministry carried out rapid repairs to damaged substations, transmission lines and transformers, enabling electricity to be restored to Nawnghkio Township and Lashio through the national grid.
Repair work on substations, power lines and transformers in Hsipaw and Kyaukme has also been completed. Once landmine clearance and inspections of the 66-kV Mansan-Hsipaw transmission line between poles 210 and 219 are finished, both towns will be reconnected to the national grid. At present, Hsipaw receives electricity for six hours daily from two diesel generators, while Kyaukme is supplied by the 2-MW Nant Saong Ngong small hydropower plant, with key public facilities and essential services receiving electricity through the national grid.
In Kayah State, armed violence damaged the 132-kV Loikaw Main Substation, three 33-kV substations, 73 transformers and power lines. Reconstruction work has restored electricity to 13,837 households in Loikaw, Loilin Lay, Lawpita and 30 surrounding villages.
In Dimawhso Township, one 33-kV substation, transformers and power lines were also damaged. As part of the first phase of restoration, repairs to the 11-kV distribution line have restored electricity to two villages and key locations. The rehabilitation of the 33-kV, 10-MVA village substation in Loikaw was completed within the first 100 days of the new government's plan, and further work is underway to reconnect Dimawhso Township through the substation.
In Falam Township, Chin State, one 66-kV substation, two small hydropower plants, 31 transformers and power lines were damaged. Required materials are being transported for repairs. Meanwhile, the state government has installed a temporary 12-kW solar power system for the temporary hospital in Falam, a 6-kW solar system for other essential facilities, and repaired a 300-kVA diesel generator to provide interim electricity to critical locations.
A team of 12 electricity personnel arrived in Tonzang on June 18, 2026, to begin restoration work after assessing the damage. The repaired 300-kVA diesel generator is now supplying electricity for three hours each night to 11 government offices and about 310 consumers. Authorities are also coordinating inspections to restore power generation from the 200-kW Tuy Song hydropower plant.
The government and the Ministry of Electricity and Energy said ongoing restoration efforts have significantly improved electricity access in previously affected areas. The return of power has helped restore daily life, supported the reopening of small and medium-sized businesses and local industries, strengthened healthcare services at hospitals and clinics, enabled students to continue their education more effectively, and increased electricity demand across the restored communities.
