Kyrgyzstan: Energy Minister Warns of Power Shortage This Winter

Kyrgyzstan is facing the possibility of power shortages this winter, Minister of Industry, Power and Fuel Resources Saparbek Balkibekov has warned.

"If electricity consumption limits are not observed, Kyrgyzstan is due to experience an energy crisis in February 2009," Balkibekov told a news conference on November 10. Citing low water levels at the Toktogul Reservoir, Balkibekov suggested in October that cuts in electric heating would have to be made in order to ensure adequate levels of power.

"If in 2007 the peak consumption of electric power in the republic was 69 million kilowatt-hours in a 24 hour period, then in 2008-2009 we can allow ourselves a maximum of 45 million kilowatt-hours -- not more," the minister said. "If we use electricity only for lighting and household devices, and not for the heating, then, I think, the supply of electricity will be continuous."

Kazakhstan has agreed to export 250 million kilowatt-hours to Kyrgyzstan, the news agency 24.kg reported. "But of course, this does not solve the problem," Balkibekov said.