Black market electricity in the DPRK

from the Daily NK:

Generally, if a house in Donglim district of North Pyongan province uses 4 light-bulbs, a TV, a refrigerator and a recorder, it pays 200W/month on average for electricity, but typically households pay 600W/quarter.

Because of a power shortage in this area, however, electricity is only provided every other day from 10:30pm until 5:30am (non-peak).  Last year, when there was not such a shortage, power was provided from 10am to 4pm and from 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm again, though it was limited to agricultural uses.

If someone in the area gets a TV, the residents pay the power distributors under the table for extra power at night. It costs 200W/house or 10,000W to get supplied electricity from 5:30pm to 10:30 pm for 15 days.


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