President Sadyr Zhaparov, in his interview with Kabar news agency, commented on the situation with the electricity shortage in the country and noted that the situation has significantly improved over the past five years.
– Hello, Sadyr Nurgozhoevich! Recently, the topic of electricity shortages has been causing great concern in society. Recently, at the opening of Karakul hydroelectric power plant, you also noted that the problem exists, but it will be solved in two and a half years. However, some criticize this, saying that similar "be patient a little longer" statements were made five years ago. What would you like to comment on this?
– Hello. Yes, in 2020 I did say "be patient a little longer." But, to clarify, these words were spoken during my meeting with residents of Naryn region in November 2020, that is, even before we came to power. At that time, the discussion was about the nationwide restriction in place, including in the high-altitude Naryn region, where winter lasts longer, where electricity consumption was limited to 700 kW.
People appealed with the request to lift the restriction, because 700 kW is quickly consumed, and for exceeding that amount they have to pay 2 soms 16 tyiyns, this is too difficult for them. In response, I said: "This restriction can be lifted, but not now, be patient until spring." We kept that promise. Since the spring of 2021, not only in Naryn, but throughout the country, a tariff of 1 som per 1 kWh has been introduced for 190,000 residents living in difficult mountainous conditions, without any restrictions.
In other words, the previous rule, according to which consumption exceeding 700 kW had to be paid at 2 soms 16 tyiyns, was abolished. Since then, the tariff has only gradually increased by 5-10 tyiyns and now stands at 1 som 37 tyiyns. There are no restrictions whatsoever. In addition, for needy citizens living in difficult conditions and receiving social assistance, there is a preferential tariff "Family Support" - 50 tyiyns per 1 kWh for consumption up to 700 kWh.
– When you came to power, you said that the situation in the energy sector was extremely difficult. We remember that during your inauguration you specifically noted that the debt in the industry amounted to 137 billion soms. What is the situation now?
– The situation is now significantly better than five years ago. You are right, at the beginning of 2021, the debt of the energy sector amounted to 137 billion soms, or approximately 1.5 billion dollars.
Thanks to the reforms carried out, the fight against corruption and embezzlement, we managed to reduce the debt to 25 billion soms. We plan to completely eliminate it by the end of next year and become profitable. We achieved this result in just five years.
Regarding the winter deficit, I spoke about this at the opening of the Karakul hydroelectric power plant. In two and a half years, we will stop importing electricity from other countries and will begin to fully cover our needs with our own resources; we plan that there will be no more power outages in winter.
Interviewed by Director of Kabar news Agency Mederbek Shermetaliev