Energy Ministry plans no winter power cuts but allows peak-hour restrictions

Kyrgyzstan does not plan to introduce scheduled electricity cuts this coming winter due to a power shortage. However, energy workers may face a lack of capacity during peak consumption hours and may take additional measures. Energy Minister Altynbek Rysbekov said this on October 19 at a meeting of the relevant committee of the Jogorku Kenesh.

According to Rysbekov, preparations of energy facilities for the autumn-winter period are proceeding on schedule, and there are no serious problems with the work. The missing volume of electricity is to be covered through imports. Kyrgyzstan intends to buy around 4 billion kWh of electricity abroad in 2026.

However, the minister said imports do not solve the peak-hour capacity shortage. Demand rises sharply in the morning and evening, and load on supplier countries' grids may also be high, limiting their ability to increase supplies at those times. Rysbekov stressed that the electricity and capacity deficit built up over many years and cannot be resolved within one heating season.