Uzbekistan: Tashkent Threatens to Leave Central Asian Power Grid

Uzbekistan is threatening to leave the unified power system of Central Asia. Esso Sadullayev, a top official at the state-owned electricity company Uzbekenergo, complained that the shared electricity grid was "outdated."

"The unified power system of Central Asia is becoming . . . a source of conflict [among] member countries over the maintenance for the sustainable operation of national energy systems," the Russian news agency RIA Novosti quoted Sadullayev as saying on November 5.

The Uzbek announcement jeopardizes Turkmen electricity exports to cash-strapped Tajikistan. According to RIA Novosti, Uzbekenergo is upset with "unsanctioned electricity bleeds" and accuses Tajikistan of stealing power.

Meanwhile, blackouts are underway in some Tajik regions while negotiations between Tashkent and Dushanbe continue about transit fees. Tajik Deputy Energy and Industry Minister Pulod Muhiddinov said Tajikistan was cut off from the unified system on November 1 following a unilateral decision by Uzbekistan to carry out "repair work."