A solar farm in Oudomxay province. Laos aims to reduce dependence on electricity imports by building a resilient national grid and expanding renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and thermal power. – KPL News via Vientiane Times/ANN
VIENTIANE: Laos is accelerating efforts to enhance its electricity supply and efficiency by upgrading infrastructure, improving the grid and promoting renewable energy to reduce power outages, support economic growt, and improve the quality of life for its citizens.
Amid ongoing efforts to improve the electricity sector, Oudet, a resident of Vientiane, closely follows news and official updates, from price adjustments to new investments. He believes that every change directly impacts his daily life, as electricity is essential for everyone at all times.
"Having reliable electricity brings peace of mind. It's the small things, like being able to use the internet without interruption, that make a big difference in our quality of life, especially in today's digital age, where internet access is essential for almost every type of work," Oudet told Xinhua on Friday (Oct 3).
"I remember experiencing power outages at least once a week when I was younger. It was frustrating, especially in the heat. Sometimes, I had to do my homework by candlelight during nighttime blackouts. It was very uncomfortable," he said.
He added that many businesses rely on stable electricity to operate efficiently. Frequent outages or power fluctuations can slow down production, disrupt services and even damage equipment. A reliable power supply builds confidence and helps attract investment.
Laos is working to enhance electricity operations, strengthen coordination between central and local levels, and improve overall efficiency and effectiveness.
The first Laos-China Electric Power Technology Forum, held in mid-September in Lao capital Vientiane, introduced standardised training and expanded technical programmes to support talent development in Laos. It also aimed to boost power reliability in Vientiane and along the China-Laos Railway, reduce network losses, and enhance emergency response, strengthening bilateral cooperation through public welfare initiatives.
Business owner Chanh, a restaurant owner, emphasised the importance of stable electricity for business operations, especially for food safety and customer service.
"For food sellers like us, refrigeration, cooking and lighting are essential. Even a short power outage can cause many problems. Having a stable and efficient power supply means we can serve our customers without interruptions and avoid losses," she said.
Chanh highlighted that training more local technical staff and improving emergency response systems are crucial for growth. "If we build a strong foundation, these improvements will continue, especially in local areas outside the capital," she added.
The Lao state-owned Electricite du Laos (EDL) plans to strengthen the country's electricity supply in the second half of 2025. To reduce service disruptions and outages, EDL will focus on infrastructure upgrades such as regular maintenance, replacing aging equipment, improving transformers and enhancing system management.
Although power outages still occur occasionally, many people have noticed quicker responses from authorities. Lattany, a resident of Vientiane, praised the dedication of staff during outages, noting that they work tirelessly, even late at night or early in the morning, to fix issues such as fire-damaged poles or downed power lines.
Lattany expressed hope that more efficient solutions will be developed to reduce power shortages, ideally using fewer staff while maintaining effectiveness.
Laos is working to strengthen its electricity sector to ensure energy security and long-term sustainability. The country aims to tackle key challenges, support a stable and self-reliant economy, and reduce dependence on electricity imports by building a resilient national grid and expanding renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and thermal power. - Xinhua
