The security crisis escalated in Goma last week, causing severe power and water supply cuts in the area. Several power lines connecting the eastern Congolese town to supply stations have been damaged amidst the renewed conflict with M3 rebels.

On January 24, Virunga Energies reported that the lines supplying Goma and Nyiragongo territory were compromised during clashes along the Kimbumba-Goma axis. Just two days earlier, the country’s power utility, Société Nationale d'Electricité (SNEL), announced that its high-voltage line linking the Ruzizi power station to Bukavu—another source of electricity for Goma—was destroyed on January 22. Both companies indicated in their press releases that they would conduct technical repairs as soon as security conditions permitted.

DR Congo’s power regulator, ARE, recently set up a new committee to oversee electricity distribution in Goma. The committee aims to clarify the roles of various energy providers, including SNEL, SOCODEE, Virunga Energies, and NURU SASU. However, ongoing conflict is likely to hinder these regulatory efforts.

The impact on local economic activity has been significant. The water utility, REGIDESO, struggles to maintain normal supply levels due to its reliance on electricity for pumping stations. Key power consumers, such as the Goma airport and military camps in Mubambiro and Katindo, have been forced to seek alternative solutions.

Many businesses are now relying on generators, which has increased their operating costs. The fresh produce distribution sector has been particularly hard hit, as it depends heavily on a stable power supply, according to Congolese Press Agency (ACP) reports.

A resident contacted by phone noted some improvement: "Since Saturday evening (January 25), electricity has been restored in part of the town. Water has also partially returned." However, with ongoing fighting, the reliability of electricity and water supplies remains uncertain.

Olivier de Souza