We receive many inquiries about the process of paying utility bills, so here is a quick guide to help you pay your water and electricity bills, even when they are overdue.
How to pay your bills
- Pay bills on time as reconnections are time-consuming and costly
- Check addresses and account names are correct before paying
- Be familiar with where bills are placed – sometimes you will find them in unusual places!
- EDC bills are issued every month on the same date, so keep a lookout!
- Water bills are issued every 2 months – again keep a lookout for them
- It may be a good idea to pay extra on your water bill to avoid disconnections
- Once a bill’s due date expired you cannot pay by App, instead, you have a few days’ grace to pay in the offices (see slides 2 & 3).
- Bills can be paid at Wing outlets (almost on every street)
- EDC reconnections usually take <2 working days and cost $2.50
- Water reconnections usually take <2 working days $15.25
- Don’t expect action on weekends and certainly not on holidays
- EDC website: https://www.edc.com.kh/index.php
- PPWSA website: http://www.ppwsa.com.kh/en/
Abode guide to paying utility bills
History of Electricite du Cambodge (EDC)
Electricity was available in Cambodia in 1906 and up till 1958, electricity was supplied by three private companies:
- ‘Compagnie des Eaux et Electricité’ (CEE)
- Union Electrique d’Indochine (UNEDI)
- ‘Compagnie Franco-Khmer d’Electricité’ (CFKE)
CEE provided major power services in Phnom Penh, whereas UNEDI supplied all other provinces, except Battambang (CFKE).
In 1958, CEE and UNEDI were merged to the company we know now ‘Electricité du Cambodge’ or EDC.
Between 1971 to 1979, the power sector was almost entirely disabled by the civil war (1971-1975) and the Khmer Rouge (1975-1979).
During this period, production, transmission and distribution means were crippled across Cambodia, not only in Phnom Penh.
In 1979, the EDC was reconstructed under the Ministry of Industry.
History of the Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority (PPWSA)
In 1959, PPWSA was officially established under King Norodom Sihanouk and officially named ‘Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority’.
Since then, PPWSA is responsible for Phnom Penh’s water treatment and supply and ensure sustainable investment in its water treatment infrastructure.
Between 1959 and 1970, PPWSA’s operations were expanded by ongoing refurbishment and establishment of new treatment plants and supply networks.
Even when the Khmer Rouge took control of Cambodia in 1975 and evacuated the Phnom Penh populace, there was little production and distribution in Phnom Penh.
Potable water was produced only for the consumption of a small group of leaders in Democratic Kampuchea and most infrastructure was discarded along with technicians, tools, materials and technical documents.
This caused great difficulty in rehabilitation post 1979 when the sector recommenced operations.
Phnom Penh real estate made easy
Phnom Penh real estate, especially the rental market, is not easy to navigate around as there’s a lot on offer and prices vary depending on where, when and what you are looking for.
The city offers a range of properties, so it is important you know what is available.
Covid made things difficult for everyone and all over Phnom Penh, people started negotiating heavily.
Although there is some residual goodwill, much has gone, and prices are now close to pre-pandemic levels.
Don’t expect real estate miracles anymore!
Moving?
Moving home – best you use a checklist as it can be a daunting task.
Not only is it an emotional journey, but you’ll have reams of admin. Here’s a checklist to help you tick off (and fill) your boxes!
Even before moving house, change your address.
- Start doing this 30 days before the move. Sometimes a phone call will do, but often you may have to provide proof of the new address to certain institutions or go into the bank, your doctor, kid’s school or Sangkat to fill in forms, so giving yourself a head start will help to shorten your to-do list.
- In some cases, you may be able to receive statements and accounts by email. This cuts down on paper wastage and ensures an easier address change process.
Some institutions you should notify, plus a few extra things
