In an interview with 24.kg, Talaybek Ibraev reported a critically low water level in the Toktogul Reservoir, which is 2 billion cubic meters lower compared to last year.
The minister urged the population to save electricity and assured that if recommendations are followed, winter will pass without blackouts. In response to criticism from Atambaev, Ibraev emphasized: "Enough talking - it's time to work."
- Talaybek Omukeevich, the topic of energy and electricity outages is back on the agenda. In winter, everyone is worried about what will happen. What is the situation at the moment? What can we expect?
- It is important not to escalate the situation. We are in a period of low water. The water level in the Toktogul Reservoir is almost 2 billion cubic meters lower than last year. To maintain a volume of up to 7 billion cubic meters by April 1, it is necessary to save electricity. Otherwise, we risk reaching the dead mark, which will lead to the shutdown of generators and the inability to generate electricity. During peak loads, the capacity decreases from 5 to 3 kilowatts, as stipulated in the contracts, to prevent equipment failure. Preserving equipment is now more important than restoring it later.
I have never deceived the people and have warned in advance that winter will be difficult and will require electricity savings.
- So, are we facing power outages?
- No, that will not happen. Electricity and heating in the homes of Kyrgyzstanis will remain, but we will have to treat resources carefully. This is normal, as in European countries, where children are taught to save electricity and water from an early age. There is not such bright illumination in the evenings as we have. It's not just about money, but also about a careful attitude towards nature.
- Recently, former president Almazbek Atambaev published a post in which he made loud statements, claiming that under him the system was restored, and now the energy sector is again in crisis, as in 2010. How do you respond to this?
- I respect the contribution of everyone who worked in the energy sector, including Atambaev. The "Datka - Kemin" project was indeed implemented. But energy is a dynamic field. During this time, consumption has changed, hydrology has changed, and losses have increased. The growth in consumption is about 1 billion kilowatt-hours per year. This year, we expect consumption to be at the level of 20 billion kilowatt-hours, while ten years ago this figure was only 14 billion.
It is inappropriate to compare 2013 and 2025; it is like comparing a button phone and a smartphone — the conditions are completely different.
- But people see interruptions and limitations in electricity supply. Isn't this a sign of a crisis?
- This is evidence of system overload, not its collapse. In recent years, electricity consumption has increased by millions of kilowatt-hours per day. We are actively updating the infrastructure, installing "smart" meters to reduce losses, and building new generation sources.
- What about mining? Atambaev speaks sharply against mining and electricity exports, considering it absurd in conditions of shortage.
- Atambaev has always liked to talk but not take responsibility for his words. In conditions of electricity shortage, a decision has been made to completely shut down all mining farms across the country; this issue is under my control.
- Can you tell us more about the measures the ministry is taking to stabilize the situation?
- With the arrival of Sadyr Nurgozhoevich to power, attention to the energy sector has increased. Since 2023, electricity generation has increased fivefold.
We are working on several fronts: we are accelerating the construction of small and medium hydropower plants, 24 hydropower plants have already been put into operation, which will provide more than 150 megawatts in total. We are modernizing existing stations, strengthening networks, creating backup capacities, and implementing digital accounting.
Work is also underway on renewable energy sources. By the end of the year, the first solar station with a capacity of 100-120 megawatts will be operational.
The reconstruction of the Toktogul HPP has been completed, where all four units have been modernized, adding 240 megawatts of capacity. The modernization of the Uch-Kurgan HPP is ongoing: two units are already operational, and two more are in progress. This will increase capacity by 36 megawatts — approximately the amount consumed by the Sokuluk district.
We are preparing to start construction of the Kambarata HPP-1; all preparatory work has been completed.
Investment agreements have been signed for the "Kazarmin" and "Kokomerin" cascades of hydropower plants, with a total capacity of 2200 megawatts.
Next year, we plan to complete the construction of the Kulanak HPP in the Naryn region. The Orto-Tokoy HPP with a capacity of 21 megawatts is 75 percent complete. Reconstruction is also underway for small hydropower plants in Alamedin, Lebedinovka, and Bystrovka, while construction of a thermal power plant with a capacity of 1200 megawatts has begun in Kara-Keche.
Our subscribers are now fully paying for the services received, and commercial losses have been reduced to zero.
- So, there are achievements.
- That’s quite a bold word. I am confident in the future of our energy sector, but energy is not about slogans; it’s about actions. Our main task is to carry out the directives of Sadyr Nurgozhoevich and get through the winter without serious restrictions, laying the groundwork for the growth of the sector.
- Atambaev also accuses the current authorities of "rewriting history" and devaluing his achievements.
- I do not want to dedicate our interview to discussing Atambaev's publications. It is important to understand that no one intends to forget the past, unlike him. However, the system created ten years ago requires updating. The energy sector cannot remain stagnant. We are not saying that "it was bad before us"; we are stating that we need to move forward. This is normal.
- Do you react sharply to political criticism?
- No, constructive criticism is useful. But this does not apply to Atambaev's post; I perceive his words as the emotions of an offended person. I am open to dialogue. Energy is not a place for grievances and ambitions; knowledge, responsibility, and teamwork 24/7 are what matter here. We are ready to listen to the opinions of former leaders, experts, and engineers. Light in homes is more important than loud words on social media.
In conclusion, I want to urge people to treat electricity carefully. We have already gone through many difficulties and will be able to cope with this winter. We are ready for it 100 percent!
