Cambodia experienced fewer nationwide power outages in 2025 compared with the previous years, as expanded grid infrastructure and sector reforms strengthened the country’s energy independence, following a decision to stop purchasing electricity from Thailand.
Speaking at the 2025 work results and 2026 work direction conference of Electricite du Cambodge on February 12, Keo Rottanak, Minister of Mines and Energy, said improvements were driven by the expansion of high-voltage transmission lines, new national grid substations, broader medium-voltage networks and reinforced low-voltage distribution systems.
“Power outages in 2025 across the country have been reduced further from last year, through the expansion of high-voltage lines, national grid substations, the expansion of medium-voltage lines, and the deployment of many of the Electricite du Cambodge and all service providers within the framework of strengthening low-voltage distribution lines,” he said.
Rottanak added that customer service has also undergone major reforms, particularly through the adoption of digital tools.
Utilities increasingly use platforms such as social media, email and nationwide hotlines to respond more quickly to consumer concerns.
The minister highlighted that outages declined even after Cambodia halted electricity imports from Thailand, underscoring the resilience of the domestic power system.
“And we are facing Thai aggression, we are not going to bother with Thailand, we have enough electricity for our own use,” he said.
“This means that energy security has been strengthened compared to two years ago, environmental protection has improved due to clean energy, and Cambodia’s energy independence has been strengthened,” he added.
According to Rottanak, the benefits of electricity sector reforms are being felt nationwide, with more villages connected to the national grid and a growing number of households gaining reliable access to power.
The shift toward self-reliance followed a directive from Prime Minister Hun Manet, who decided on June 12, 2025, to stop buying electricity from Thailand in response to threats to cut Cambodia’s power supply.
Authorities maintained at the time that the country could ensure sufficient electricity through domestic generation and grid upgrades.
The latest progress signals a broader government push to guarantee adequate and stable electricity as demand rises alongside economic growth, while reducing external vulnerabilities in the energy sector.
