The cost of repairing the Cambodian energy infrastructure that was damaged by incursions by Thai forces into the Kingdom’s border provinces is estimated at approximately $10 million. These costs will be fully borne by Electricité du Cambodge (EDC), according to Keo Rottanak, Minister of Mines and Energy.
Speaking at the annual review meeting of the Electricity Authority of Cambodia (EAC) on February 12, Rottanak said that the authority will pay compensation for all electricity infrastructure damages suffered by service providers in provinces along the Thai border in the recent conflict.
He explained that the mechanism for implementation requires all damage claims related to electricity infrastructure to be submitted to the Rural Electrification Fund, through coordination with the EAC. The damages will be assessed, and compensation will be provided to ensure the issue is resolved as quickly as possible.
He added that in addition to private sector service providers, the EDC itself also suffered damage to its own network.
“As electricity operators, we know how much damage a single incident can cause. The damage to private sector provider’s infrastructure at the front lines amounted to about $4 million, which the EDC must compensate. Meanwhile, the EDC itself has suffered damages of no less than $5 million,” he said.
In addition, he mentioned the costs of electricity consumption for displaced civilians currently staying in safe zones.
“We will continue to have the EDC cover the electricity expenses for all displacement camps under the management of frontline provincial authorities through designated gathering sites. During previous clashes with Thailand, the EDC already paid the bills,” he said.
“The provincial authorities responsible for supporting displacement camps only need to forward the invoices received from electricity service providers to EDC, and EDC will cover those expenses,” he added.
He noted that throughout 2026, the government will bear electricity costs for people still residing in displacement camps.
“Electricity is a key priority sector in the Royal Government’s Pentagonal Strategy, as it plays a crucial role both in people’s daily lives and in promoting national economic development. Under the seventh-mandate government, Cambodia’s electricity sector has developed rapidly and efficiently, increasing energy supply and supporting economic growth based on the strong foundation built under previous mandates,” explained Yim Viseth, EAC chairman.
According to the EAC, total power generation capacity increased from 4,649 megawatts at the end of 2023 to 5,183 at the end of 2024, and to 5,932 by the end of 2025. Meanwhile, electricity consumption rose from 16,804 million kilowatt-hours in 2023 to 19,972 million kilowatt-hours in 2024, and 22,361 million kilowatt-hours in 2025.
