Kaktus.media conducted an analysis of how the hot water shutdown dates have changed in the past and how things stand with neighboring cities.
History of Hot Water Shutdowns
Many residents of the capital remember that previously, the hot water shutdown traditionally occurred after the May holidays. In 2007, 2009, and 2010, it happened on May 11. There were instances when the shutdown occurred earlier — for example, on May 6 in 2019 and May 10 in 2016.Interestingly, in 2024, the dates changed, and hot water was turned off at the end of April, although it was still the end of the month, as in the previous year.
In 2017, the shutdown occurred on May 22, and two years later, the schedule returned to the previous one. In 2019, hot water was unavailable from May 6 to June 3, coinciding with the month of Orozo.
From 2021 to 2023, hot water supply was interrupted in mid-May. The year 2024 will be remembered for an accident at the CHPP, when an incident occurred on the night of February 1-2, resulting in injuries to five people. By February 5, heating was restored, but the problems did not disappear. The need for major repairs to the networks became the reason for the extended hot water shutdowns.
However, last year the situation repeated itself: hot water was unavailable for 40 days. Urmat Kubanychbek uulu, head of the dispatch service of "Bishkekteploset," explained the extended shutdowns by the wear and tear of the networks, many of which have been in operation since 1965.
We extended the deadlines to prepare more thoroughly for the heating season. There is a lot of work, and we cannot complete it in 30 days.The reasons for such an early hot water shutdown this year remain unclear, and the city administration is not providing comments. In response to inquiries, only general phrases are heard.
"Throughout the winter season, all services operated in enhanced mode, ensuring stable heating supply. After the heating season ends, municipal services will begin preparations for the next one, including carrying out necessary work," the press release from the city administration states, where the shutdown dates are announced.
Nevertheless, the question arises: if everything was organized so well, why is the city being left without hot water as early as the beginning of April?
Comparison with Neighboring Cities
In Almaty, major facilities have the option to switch to other heating networks, which helps avoid shutdowns. In small boiler houses, hot water is turned off for no more than 2-3 weeks, and all work is carried out from May to August.In Astana, hot water shutdown usually begins after the heating season ends (in late April - early May) and lasts about 14 days, with shutdowns occurring by sections rather than across the entire city in separate districts.
From March 24 to May 1, 2026, Tashkent has scheduled tests of the main heating networks, during which hot water will also be turned off, but not for the entire duration. From March 24 to March 31, shutdowns will be short-term, and after that, work will be carried out without shutdowns, affecting only specific sections.
In Moscow, hot water is turned off for planned preventive maintenance for no more than 14 days from May to August, which implies phased shutdowns rather than a simultaneous one.
