The cost of meter boxes has been increased six fold by the electricity department recently in Falam Township in Chin state of Burma.

"Last year, the price of a meter box was Kyat 100,000 but now they (authorities of Falam electricity department) are selling it at Kyat 700, 000," said a local from Falam town.

"People who are in need of meter boxes are finding it extremely difficult to buy now because of the price hike. We don't understand why they suddenly raised the price," said a local from Falam town.

Despite the increase in prices of meter boxes, some people in Falam Township have bought meter boxes at the prevailing prices as there is no other way to get power supply except through the electricity department in Falam.

"Though the price is soaring, some people had no choice but bought it since they are really in need of electricity supply," another local from Falam said.

Meanwhile, some who could not afford the price have perforce ignored the price hike of meter boxes.

"Since we could not afford it, we did not buy it. Moreover, electric bills will be a further problem," another local added.

'Var' hydro-power house set up in Falam Township is able to supply electricity to only half of the population from some villages in Falam Township such as Lungrang, Laizo, Congthe, Taisun, Congheng, Zamual, Var, Parte and Lumbang.

‘Var’ hydropower house that was established in 1975 can supply power to nine villages in Falam Township. The supply hours are for only three hours daily from 6 pm to 9 pm.