Residents of Putao Struggle with Daily Tasks as Electricity Available Only During Midnight Hours

Pajau Media

May 20, 2025

Residents of Putao town have been facing prolonged electricity shortages, with the situation worsening this year, leaving them with power only during midnight hours, locals say.

"This year, electricity is only available from around midnight 12:00 AM until 3:00 AM, making it impossible to get anything done. During the day, there’s almost no power at all. Yet, we still have to pay the regular electricity bills," said a local resident.

In previous years, Putao received electricity for about four hours every other day. However, this year, the situation has deteriorated further, with power supplied only between midnight and 3:00 AM, causing significant difficulties for the community.

"In the past two years, we at least got about four hours of electricity every other day. Now, there’s almost no supply. Some people even paid around 4,000,000 kyats to apply for VIP lines, but in the end, everyone ended up in the same situation. Only government offices and staff quarters get regular power now," the resident added.

Some locals invested large sums to secure stable electricity by applying for VIP lines, but even these no longer provide consistent power. Currently, only government offices and employee housing areas receive reliable electricity.

As a result, ordinary residents are experiencing delays in their daily tasks that require electricity, facing numerous hardships.

News: Malihku