Cambodia nears universal electrification as power sector anchors growth

PHNOM PENH, April 13, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia has achieved near-universal electrification, with 99 percent of villages and almost 96 percent of households now connected to the national grid, officials said Friday.

Energy Minister Keo Rottanak announced the milestone at the groundbreaking of the $1 billion Upper Tatay Pumped Storage Hydropower Project, noting decades of investment have transformed the country from reliance on kerosene lamps in the 1990s to nationwide electricity access. More than $32 billion has been invested in energy infrastructure, with major contributions from partners including China.

Authorities said most communities now enjoy 24-hour supply at stable tariffs, with electrification extended to remote islands and coastal regions. Rottanak stressed reliable power has shielded households and industries from global oil and gas price volatility.

Cambodia’s power mix is increasingly sustainable, with over 63 percent generated from clean sources such as hydropower and solar. The government aims to raise this to 70 percent by 2030. New projects, including Upper Tatay, are expected to enhance grid stability, manage peak demand and reinforce long-term energy security.