In the context of energy shortages and the introduction of restrictions affecting business and services, active discussions continue in society. 24.kg met with economist Arsen Imankulov to understand how justified the government's actions are and what prospects await us.
— There is a lot of dissatisfaction in society regarding the restrictions. Is there justification for this?
— First of all, it is important to realize that the introduced restrictions are a forced measure. The country's energy system is currently in an extremely difficult situation, and finding a way out is a matter of life necessity from both social and economic perspectives. If the authorities had the opportunity to avoid these restrictions, they would have taken it. In the current conditions, regulating electricity consumption is a protective measure to avoid a complete collapse of the system.
Imagine that we are driving a car that is overheating. We can continue to press the gas, but then the engine will stop, and we risk ending up on the roadside in the cold. In such a situation, we should slow down and reduce the load.
Arsen Imankulov
Yes, such measures cause discomfort and losses for certain citizens, but it will be much worse if there is no light at all — neither in homes, nor in hospitals, nor in critical infrastructure enterprises.
— Many entrepreneurs complain about losses due to the restrictions. How can they be minimized?
— Losses do exist. However, it is important to understand that short-term restrictions are preferable to a long-term energy crisis. If the system collapses, the consequences will be much more serious — both for business and for the state and citizens.
In this situation, it is wiser to focus on two key areas:
1. Predictability of rules
Clear schedules, timely notifications, more discussions with business and civil society, as well as the absence of excessive strictness in inspections will help mitigate the negative consequences for entrepreneurs.
2. Financial support in the form of deferrals or tax and loan benefits, if the situation drags on
The government has already expressed its readiness to discuss such options. But I repeat: we must think not only about today but about the coming months. Winter is just beginning, and someone will have to make unpopular decisions to save the system.
— There is irritation in society. How can it be reduced?
— As an economist, I can only share my opinion. It is important to focus on solving the problem. On one hand, indeed, the restrictions cause dissatisfaction, but on the other hand, imagine the consequences of a complete shutdown of the system or the premature release of water from Toktogul at the beginning of the heating season. In this situation, unified cooperation is necessary, not mutual accusations.
We are in a situation where nothing will work without the participation of everyone. This is a unique case where saving electricity is not just a formality, but a matter of stability for the entire country.
Arsen Imankulov
Citizens can contribute, for example:
- by turning off unnecessary lights,
- reducing load during evening hours,
- avoiding simultaneous use of powerful appliances unless critically necessary.
Businesses can optimize resource use by reducing decorative lighting and improving equipment efficiency.
The state — by continuing already initiated actions:
- reducing administrative pressure,
- organizing inspections,
- openly explaining its actions and listening to businesses and citizens.
When all parties work together, the tension can be reduced.
— Do you believe that the government's measures will yield results?
— Let's analyze the situation from two sides. The first is the technical solution. It is already showing results: the load on the network during evening hours has decreased, and resources are distributed with consideration for the upcoming winter. We are in the process of buying time to get through the winter without serious accidents and outages.
As for administrative decisions — yes, they are unpopular, but necessary. The government should improve systematic work on informing the population and explaining the logic of its decisions.
I am confident that Kyrgyzstan is capable of going through this period with dignity. All it takes is patience, solidarity, and a clear information policy.
Arsen Imankulov
— What would you say to those who doubt the appropriateness of these measures?
— Yes, everyone is struggling, but the consequences of a system collapse will be significantly more serious. Losses will not be measured in tens of millions, but in terms of the entire economy of the country.
Our task now is to preserve what we have so that next season we can talk about development, not about restoring a broken energy system. For this, a unification of efforts is necessary — of the authorities, businesses, and citizens. Otherwise, we will not be able to get through this period with minimal losses.
