Cambodia Surges Past Electricity Goals, But Service Gaps Remain

KT - Chor Sokunthea

Cambodia has surpassed global expectations by reaching over 95% household electrification, with nearly every village now connected to power — years ahead of World Bank projections. But as access grows, questions remain over the quality and affordability of service.

The announcement came during a ceremony marking the 20th anniversary of the Rural Electrification Fund, where Electricité du Cambodge (EDC) officials celebrated the leap from just 10% electrification in 2000 to over 95% today. "Even in flood-prone areas, solar systems are ensuring electricity access," said EDC’s Praing Chulasa.

Minister of Mines and Energy Keo Rottanak credited Cambodia’s progress to decades of peace and political stability. He praised the leadership of former Prime Minister Hun Sen and current PM Hun Manet for enabling long-term planning. Power generation has expanded 25-fold, reaching 5,360 megawatts, of which 3,600 MW is stable and continuous.

However, beneath the milestone lies a more complex picture. While EDC touts nearly universal coverage, residents in areas like Meanchey district and parts of Pursat report frequent outages and high electricity prices. Some zones still rely on private operators, whose service is often patchy and expensive. “Sometimes there’s no power for half a day,” said Leng Sopheaktra, a small business owner in Phnom Penh. “We need affordable, reliable electricity — not just access.”

The government is working to address these issues. A $150 million subsidy was allocated in 2023 to keep tariffs stable, though EDC still posted a $130 million loss. To modernise the grid and improve efficiency, EDC has launched a digital transformation with backing from France’s AFD and the EU. Goals include cutting energy loss and integrating more renewable sources.

The broader challenges remain significant: rising demand, weak planning capacity, and financial strain on the state utility. While Cambodia's electrification journey is a clear success story, ensuring reliable, equitable, and sustainable energy for all Cambodians is the next chapter yet to be written.

-2025-05-20