A Long Path to Implementation
The history of smart meters in Kyrgyzstan did not begin today. The project for their installation started back in 2009, and, as reported by Energy Minister Talaybek Ibraev, it took a full ten years to implement.The minister noted: "I worked on the meter mechanism for three years, but in 2010 a revolution occurred, and the work was suspended. If we had started the implementation then, the situation in the energy sector would be completely different. Now, thanks to donors, we have been allocated $36 million to continue the project."
It turned out that the funding for the program has been coming from donors from the very beginning. The general public learned about the new system in the summer of 2011, when specialists from JSC "Severelektro" visited a Chinese factory for electrical equipment and familiarized themselves with the technical requirements for the meters.
In April 2012, the first batch of 1,000 prepaid electric meters arrived at the distribution company, but mass installation did not begin. Nevertheless, starting in 2012, investment projects "Revitalization of the Local Network of Bishkek" and "Increasing the Efficiency of the Electricity Distribution Network," funded by the German bank KFW, began, which included the supply of 110,000 electronic meters.
Since then, with the support of various organizations and countries, the number of ASKUE in the republic has gradually increased. In January 2023, as part of a business forum related to the visit of Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Kyrgyzstan, a cooperation agreement was signed between JSC "TNK Dastan" and LLC TOSHELECTROAPPARAT for the production of ASKUE electric meters.
In the same year, it became known that the International Development Association allocated Kyrgyzstan $25 million in the form of a grant and $25 million as a loan for the implementation of ASKUE and the SCADA system. These funds are actively used for the installation of new metering devices.
In June 2023, USAID purchased 128 meters and 104 internet modems, which were handed over to the energy sector.
Additionally, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development will provide the Ministry of Energy with €14.2 million for the purchase of meters for the automated control and accounting system for energy resources. A total of 150,000 meters will be purchased, which is expected to reduce electricity losses by 2%.
Number of Installed Meters
Energy specialists plan to install smart meters for every subscriber, and this year the process has accelerated. As of March 1, 2024, 430,400 meters have been installed, and by November 1, 2025, this number is expected to grow to 849,500.Thus, over eight months, the number of new metering devices has nearly doubled, especially in the Chui and Osh regions.
Representatives of JSC "NESC" emphasize that the automated electricity accounting system (ASKUE) is not only a technological novelty but also a necessary tool for effective energy consumption management. The transition to smart meters can optimize costs and increase the efficiency of electricity use for both subscribers and suppliers.
Advantages of ASKUE:
- Automatic data collection on consumption, eliminating the human factor and reducing the likelihood of errors;
- Rapid detection of unauthorized consumption and technical malfunctions;
- Consumers receive accurate data on consumption, reducing the number of disputes;
- Analysis of consumption by time of day and seasons helps forecast expenses;
- Reduction in the number of inspectors and distribution of workload, increasing work efficiency.
Main metering devices and data collection and transmission devices are installed at transformer substations, ensuring the flow of consumption information to the distribution company's server. Each device is equipped with an electronic seal.
Real Results of Implementation
Energy specialists assure that the implementation of the system has already yielded positive results. JSC "National Electric Grid of Kyrgyzstan" Kaktus.media reported that in several district electric networks, electricity losses have significantly decreased after the installation of ASKUE.Energy Minister Talaybek Ibraev noted that smart meters prevent electricity theft, as electricity is disconnected when the limit is exceeded.
Considering 1.5 million consumers and only 1,500 inspectors, it is physically impossible to monitor consumption. Smart meters help establish discipline.However, consumers do not always share the enthusiasm of energy specialists. Especially in autumn, when many faced automatic reductions in power limits. Without warning, meters began to disconnect when several energy-intensive devices were turned on simultaneously.
One elderly citizen expressed dissatisfaction: "The electricity is turned off, we can't turn on the kettle or iron our pants. They installed smart meters to our misfortune," the man complained after an event attended by the country's president.
Advantages for Users
Nevertheless, smart meters have their advantages for subscribers. For example, after a power outage for any reason, whether due to non-payment or exceeding the limit, users can restore power themselves. There is no need to call electricians.If your electricity is off and your neighbors have it, you need to check the meter for corresponding signals in the lower right corner:
Rumors have appeared on social media that reconnection is paid, allegedly 170 soms is automatically charged for this. However, JSC "National Electric Grid of Kyrgyzstan" denied this information, stating: "To reconnect, you need to turn off all devices and press the button on the meter. No additional fees are charged!"
