Energy crunch in Tajikistan continues as low levels in water reservoirs persist

Tajikistan is introducing additional restrictions on electricity supply as the country has grappled with shortages since late September due to low water levels at its major hydropower plant.

The country’s electricity distribution networks company has issued new instructions to its branches, tightening the power-supply regime, as reported by Tadjik media outlets.

Those include:

• Consumers in Group 1 with a capacity of up to 5 kW (excluding Dushanbe), including industrial and non-industrial facilities, will be completely disconnected during restriction periods.

• “Smart meters” must be taken offline from the billing system in rotation.

• Budget-funded organizations and state institutions will be disconnected daily from 18:00 until the start of the next working day.

• Street lighting that is not classified as strategic infrastructure must be turned off.

• Electric vehicle charging stations must be shut down from 18:00 to 22:00.

Scheduled electricity limits have been in place in Tajikistan since late September. Authorities explain that the measures are due to low water levels in the Nurek Reservoir, which is currently nearly three meters lower than at the same time last year. The Nurek Hydropower Plant provides up to 70% of the country’s electricity, and the drop in water levels has sharply reduced output.

By Nazrin Sadigova