Myanmar: Upgrade underway to improve power in Yangon

Myanmar: Upgrade underway to improve power in Yangon

The government is upgrading electricity generation, transmission and
distribution in Yangon Region, Daw Nilar Kyaw, minister of Electricity,
Industry, Transport and Communication, told a news conference to mark the
first anniversary of the government.

She said that during fiscal 2016-17, the Yangon Electricity Supply
Corporation (YESC) installed new cables in a pilot project in Hlaing, Dala,
Tarmwe and Hlaing Tharyar townships.

''Based on the results of the project, we will continue with other
townships, depending on funding. We can produce more electricity but there
are weaknesses in the transmission network because some cables are too old
and the power goes off when it is windy or rains.

"We will implement this upgrade systematically to give the public a stable
electricity supply and better service," Daw Nilar Kyaw said.

She said most of the generators are overloaded so the government will
upgrade them and add new ones to the national grid.

''Of Yangon's 45 townships, 33 are in municipal areas and 12, including Ko
Ko Island, are outside municipal areas.

"More than 100 villages in areas outside municipal boundaries do not have
electricity. We plan to provide electricity to these villages," she said.

Under the National Electrification Plan (NEP), the government will provide
support to villages that are within two miles of the national grid in the
first phase.

In the second phase, the target is within two to five miles of the national
grid, and in phase three, electricity will be supplied to villages that are
more than five miles from the national grid.

''We are arranging to provide electricity to villages that are not included
in the NEP and are discussing the matter with the YESC," she said.

Myanmar produces nearly 3000 megawatts of electricity daily and Yangon
consumes more than half.

The government hopes to build two generators that can produce 300 megawatts.

''Garment factories are developing but we can't supply enough electricity.
According to electrical experts, the current four generators can produce
nearly 1000 megawatts.

"We must produce our own electricity in Yangon Region," she added.

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Link to Original Article:
http://www.mmtimes.com/index.php/national-news/yangon/26365-upgrade-underway
-to-improve-power-in-yangon.html

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John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.

www.aptthailand.com