Power shortages in Myanmar may turn into a political concern if the government continues to put the blame on ethnic groups rather than addressing the poor management that spilled over from the previous junta government, according to protesters in the country.
Protesters gathered in front of the Myanmar Electrical Power Corporation, accusing the government of exporting large amounts of its energy to Thailand and China and leaving limited resources for local needs.
The low electricity production capacity left three quarters of the population in darkness because of the lack of grid coverage. People from the capital city of Yangon has suffered electricity blackouts several hours a day. The government blamed the rebellious Kachin Independence Army (KIA) for destroying part of a power grid in the eastern Shan State.
