According to data released by the Ministry of Cooperatives and Rural Development, 500,000 houses in more than 10,000 villages have gained access to electricity over the past eight financial years, mainly through small-scale power generation projects and home solar panel systems.
Breaking down the figures, between the financial years 2016-17 and 2023-24, approximately 2.5 million people residing in these 500,000 houses across more than 10,000 villages have been provided with electricity through small-scale power generation projects and home solar panel systems.
The areas covered by these projects include regions situated at least 10 miles away from the national grid and designated locations earmarked for electricity supply, particularly in Taninthayi Region, Ayeyawady Region, Shan State, and Rakhine State.
The report indicates that the Department of Rural Development has applied two systems since the 2016-17 financial year to electrify villages under the National Electrification Plan. Villages with fewer houses have been equipped with solar panel systems for home use, while those with more houses and higher electricity demands have been supplied with renewable solar energy.
Furthermore, the department aims to extend nationwide electricity access to all villages by utilizing renewable energy resources by 2030. — TWA/TMT
