Chipwi Hydropower Plant Maintenance to Cause Two-Week Power Outage

Pajau Media

April 17, 2026

In Myitkyina and Waimaw towns in Kachin State, electricity will be cut off for 14 days, starting tomorrow, April 18, until the end of the month. As a result, drivers of battery-powered cars and motorcycles are reportedly concerned.

According to an announcement released by the Buga Electricity Supply Office, the outage is due to maintenance work on Unit No. (1) at the Chipwi Hydropower Plant, which will require a 14-day suspension of electricity supply.

Therefore, residents in Myitkyina and Waimaw, where battery-powered motorcycles are widely used, are worried that their daily travel and work activities may become more difficult in many ways.

However, the Kachin State Government Office also announced yesterday, April 16, that Chief Minister U Hkyet Hting Nan stated maintenance work must be carried out at the Chipwi Hydropower Plant, and that efforts will be made to minimize difficulties related to water and electricity for the public during the outage period.

In addition, the Buga Electricity Supply Office announced today that during the power outage, generators will be installed at several locations, including Yuzana Buga Electricity Office, Myay Myint Emergency Department, Kawa Hka Emergency Department, Shadau Emergency Department, Shatapru Buga Electricity Office, Manhkring Substation, and Waimaw Buga Electricity Office starting April 18, so that the public can charge phones and power banks and access electricity services.

News: Hpring