Electricity consumption in Kyrgyzstan reaches highest level, temporary power outages begin

BISHKEK. Dec 13 (Interfax) - Electricity consumption in Kyrgyzstan has risen to an unprecedented level, leading to temporary power outages across the country.

"Electricity usage has reached a record high in the history of Kyrgyzstan. With the onset of winter and a drop in air temperatures, households have started consuming more electricity than usual. For example, according to information received yesterday [December 12], power consumption reached 3,612 MW, while daily electricity consumption amounted to 78.931 million kWh," the Energy Ministry's press service said on Friday.

"The equipment of the electrical grid is currently overloaded in areas with excessive electricity usage. In such cases, energy workers need 1-2 hours to transfer subscribers to another line. There will be temporary power outages in such cases," the press service said.

Hydrogenerators at OJSC Electric Stations are operating "at the highest level of their technical capacity," it said. The Toktogul Hydro Power Plant and all stations of the Naryn HPP lower cascade are functioning at maximum capacity.

Water discharge from the Toktogul Reservoir is increasing daily. If this trend continues, the reservoir's water level will reach its dead (critical) volume by April, the ministry said.