Residents in Kyrgyzstan are facing ongoing electricity outages as water levels in the Toktogul Reservoir continue to drop. The power cuts, which officials claim are necessary regulatory measures, have not ceased despite official announcements stating otherwise.
The reality on the ground paints a different picture, with residents still enduring evenings without electricity. Weather forecasters are predicting a drop in temperatures, which will likely lead to increased electricity consumption and more widespread power restrictions.
After two weeks, energy sector officials admitted that the power cuts were deliberate. The shortfall in power generation due to dwindling water resources has exacerbated the situation. The repair of two hydro units at the Toktogul and Uch-Kurgan hydroelectric power stations further strained the power supply, leading to a deficit of 290-300 megawatts.
Despite the initial cancellation of short-term regulatory measures on March 9, the Ministry of Energy later reinstated them due to decreased power consumption following a period of warmer weather. However, discrepancies between official statements and the reality on the ground have left residents frustrated.
The situation is particularly challenging for residents in the Chui region, where power cuts have disrupted daily life. On March 10, many villages experienced power outages after 9:00 PM, coinciding with evening prayers during the holy month of Ramadan for the Muslim community.
The National Electric Grid of Kyrgyzstan acknowledged that the outages in the Chui region were indeed part of regulatory measures to manage increased power demand. The company urged consumers to use electricity responsibly to prevent further disruptions.
As water levels continue to decline in the Toktogul Reservoir, the prospect of more frequent power outages looms large. Energy authorities are warning of extended regulatory measures to mitigate the impact of the water shortage on power generation. Residents are advised to prepare for potential prolonged periods without electricity by stocking up on candles and generators.
With the uncertain outlook for the coming weeks, communities in Kyrgyzstan must brace themselves for further disruptions to their power supply as authorities grapple with the challenges posed by diminishing water resources and rising energy demands.
