Streets and Yards Without Light
In many places, shop signs and street lamps are turned off, although in some areas there was no lighting even before.In parks, the lights are only partially on: for example, on Erkindik Boulevard, one part is lit after midnight, while the other is not.
The city mayor denied rumors of "extremes" in electricity conservation. He stated that the city hall did not cut off resources such as electricity and water for cafes and restaurants operating after 10 PM. Instead, the mayor instructed officials to continue educational work and avoid harsh measures.
Questions Remain Relevant
However, it cannot be claimed that the shutdown of street lighting and electricity-saving raids have become the only factors contributing to compliance with established consumption limits. Since November 13, when the increased demand for electricity began, there have been no severe cold spells in the country, which also affects the reduction in energy consumption, especially due to the use of heaters.The authorities have set a power limit of 3 kW during peak hours for owners of smart meters, which mainly concerns the private sector. However, many apartments in high-rise buildings do not meet energy efficiency standards and require additional heating.
Safety is also a concern in the context of saving on street lighting. Nurlan Ismailov, a representative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, emphasized back in 2021 that crime rates are higher in poorly lit areas. The Ministry of Internal Affairs opposed this initiative.
In September, Energy Minister Talaybek Ibraev warned that this winter would be the most difficult for Kyrgyzstan.
Since then, the country has begun to actively implement energy-saving measures.
By mid-November 2025, the authorities:
- prohibited the use of outdoor lighting in government institutions during evening hours;
- restricted electricity consumption in schools after 6 PM;
- introduced a new power limit for the population - up to 3 kW, forcing residents to choose between using a washing machine and an electric kettle;
- suspended the operation of mining farms until the end of March 2026;
- the Bishkek city hall indicated that in cafes, restaurants, and nightclubs, all electrical equipment, including energy-intensive stoves and heaters, must be turned off after 10 PM, although this requirement was later softened;
- the president instructed to minimize electricity imports.
