Electricity imports from Vietnam are set to commence next month,

which officials say will reduce the number of blackouts in Phnom Penh.

"The city will no longer have block-by-block power cuts as of next

month when the 200 MW line from Vietnam to Phnom Penh is scheduled to

come into use," said a senior Electricite de Cambodge (EdC) official

who asked not to be named. "It will double the electrical supply

capacity and around 200,000 families in Phnom Penh, Kandal, Kampong

Speu and Takeo will be able to access the power." He said that EdC is

currently capable of supplying 190 MW of electricity to 280,000

families in Phnom Penh and Kandal. Demand for electricity in Phnom Penh

has far outstripped supply, and city officials resort to blackouts to

make up for the shortfall.