Small change in power supply plan
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The Myanmar government has postponed its plan to import gas turbines and gas engines from five countries, as it is still waiting for permission from the Myanmar Investment Commission and concerned ministries, an official from the Yangon Electricity Supply
The imported machines from Spain, Germany, Australia, Singapore and Malaysia will be used to handle power rationing in the upcoming summer
and placed at the factories in Hlawg, Ywama, Thakayta, and Ahlon in Yangon Region.
“Power supply during the rainy season was sufficient, but there was a significant increase in demand around December. We have to control the flow of water [from the hydropower plants] to ensure enough power supply in the [upcoming] summer,” YESB chairman Aung Khine said.
“We have submitted a proposal to import the gas turbines and gas engines to supply electricity before March,” he said.
Demand for power increased 15 per cent last year, he said, and the country witnessed many protests over electricity shortages in Yangon, Mandalay and other cities.
Last year, Myanmar used 1,790 megawatts in summer, and the demand for power is expected to rise to 2,060MW this year and 2,370MW next year, then 2,725MW in 2015 and 3,130MW in 2016.
The Ministry of Electrical Power plans to generate 350MW from new projects in Thaukyaykhat-2, Hlawga, Ywama, Thakayta and Ahlon, to supply 509MW of electricity for the entire country.
The government also plans to cut power in several industrial zones, government-owned factories, and river water-pumping projects from 5pm to 11pm to provide an extra 219MW for the country.
Power will be cut during the day in small towns where there are no industries and factories, while some major cities will receive additional electricity supplies.
