He recalled the state of the country's energy sector in 2011, when he became president. The situation was critical: the energy sector was on the brink of collapse, which became one of the reasons for the April Revolution of 2010. At that time, power outages were common, especially in winter. In Bishkek, for example, residents were left without electricity, and even streetlights were turned off. Atambayev remembered how he returned from Moscow and was struck by the darkness of Bishkek compared to the bright lights of Russian and Kazakh cities.
According to Atambayev, when he left office in 2017, he and his team were confident in solving the country's energy problems. He was proud that by that time Kyrgyzstan had become independent of the water level in the Toktogul reservoir. In 2017 and 2018, Kyrgyzstan completely stopped importing electricity, which he considered an achievement of energy independence. However, the current situation in the energy sector surprises him: how could the country be returned to a state similar to that of spring 2010?
Atambayev also noted that after 2010, the Datka-Kemin power transmission line and the Datka substation were built, which became the foundation of energy independence. Previously, Kyrgyzstan lost millions of dollars on electricity transit through neighboring countries. He reminded that in the northern part of the country, the power deficit reached 500 MW, which accounted for up to 40% of consumption.
Experts emphasize that the implementation of projects such as Datka-Kemin required significant investments, but ultimately the country gained independence and savings. Since 2012, the rehabilitation of the Toktogul hydroelectric power station began, which allowed for an increase in capacity by 240 MW. Modernization projects were initiated during his time, and some of them were completed before the new government came to power.
Atambayev also mentioned the modernization of the Bishkek CHPP, which added 300 MW of capacity, despite the scandals surrounding this project. He noted that this station currently provides heat and light for the capital. At the same time, small and private hydroelectric power stations were actively developed, and networks were being updated.
The former president pointed out that his team always aimed for transparency and openness in the energy sector, including the publication of data on electricity imports and exports. According to him, accusations that nothing was done during his presidency offend not only him but also the efforts of many people who contributed to the recovery of the country's energy sector.
He questioned why, in the context of the current energy crisis, there is a need to develop mining and export electricity to Kazakhstan at low prices. Atambayev also explained that the preferential electricity tariff was never the only one and that the real cost was significantly higher. His government implemented social policies to ease the burden on citizens.
In conclusion, Atambayev emphasized that the achievements of previous governments cannot be ignored and history should not be rewritten. He is ready to take responsibility for his decisions but urged the current authorities not to forget the contributions of previous generations and to openly discuss the problems facing the energy sector.
