No electricity in Karen State creates hardship for business owners and local residents

January 22, 2025

HURFOM: There have been constant and heavy battles in most townships in Karen State and the military junta is unable to distribute electricity in those townships, creating a livelihood and business hardship for business owners and local residents.

Since February 1, 2021 the production of electricity has been declining year after year. People have to rely on private generators or solar systems for electricity due to both rising costs and declining supply.

“Now, we can’t rely on the electricity distributed by the State. The hotels and guest houses have to operate their business with private generators or solar systems. The price of gasoline is also rising. We have to run the air conditioners 24 hours so it’s not okay for long term,” said a hotel owner.

The price of gasoline is high and solar systems cost from one million to thousands of millions, depending on the size of electricity production needed.

“Solar systems for home use cost at least three million. We can’t afford it. The price of gasoline is also too high to run a generator. We have lots of problems due to the lack of electricity,” said a local woman.

Even in Hpa-An and Hline Bwel Townships where there is no armed conflict, the junta can distribute electricity only three or five hours a day.

“We have to use natural gas or firewood or charcoal to cook rice and food. Those items are in high demand now and the prices are going up. Lack of electricity has raised our daily costs in every sector,” said a housewife.

Also in Mon State, the junta can only distribute electricity three hours intermittently; and has decreased the timing of distribution, creating additional livelihood hardships.

Written by Modinator · Filed Under News