The country is woefully short of electricity to meet the needs of industry and private citizens. About a quarter of all energy produced by the current system is wasted by the time it reaches customers. The demand for energy in Myanmar is 30 percent more than the available supply. Furthermore, many businesses are forced to rely on private generators to supply electricity during frequent power failures and general shortages.

Burma generates a maximum of about 1, 610 MW during the monsoon season and 1,340 MW during the summer season. Of the 1,610 MW, 1,270 MW is generated by hydropower stations when a full storage capacity of water is available during the monsoon.

Most importantly, Myanmar has gas reserves and serious hydropower potential. A long-term solution would see citizens in both cities and villages finally enjoying the economic opportunities made possible by a reliable energy source.

Myanmar's government understands the importance of private sector participation in reaching this solution. They are currently exploring the possibilities of partnerships with the private sector as well as independent power production on a pilot basis.