Kyrgyzstan: Japarov Calls for Energy Conservation Amid Ongoing Power Shortages

Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov published a detailed address to the nation focused on energy reforms and electricity costs in neighboring countries, Orda.kz reports.

The president noted that only a few years ago, Kyrgyzstan’s energy sector was on the verge of collapse — debts had reached 137 billion soms, and much of the country’s power infrastructure dated back to the 1960s.

Power engineers remember that time: salaries were paid on credit, and half the money allocated for electricity imports ended up in other people's pockets,
 Japarov recalled.

He said that after anti-corruption reforms, the debt was reduced to 25 billion soms, adding that the sector should become profitable by 2027.

Despite major investments in hydroelectric and solar power, the country still faces winter energy shortages. Japarov urged citizens to conserve electricity:

Every 100-watt light bulb, left on for an hour, draws 270 liters of water from the Toktogul Reservoir. Therefore, dear Kyrgyzstanis, please remember to turn off your lights at night.

He also compared regional energy prices:

In Almaty, a kilowatt costs between 30 and 50 tenge — that's 5–8 soms. In Uzbekistan, it's about 3 soms 60 tyiyn. And here, it's only 1 som 37 tyiyn.

Japarov emphasized that despite similar living costs, the standard of living in Kyrgyzstan remains comparable to its neighbors.

He concluded by promising that the country’s energy shortages would be resolved within a few years.

Original Author: Zarina Fayzulina